Corporate Buying Desk Implementation
Client Context
West Sussex County Council was implementing a new Purchase to Pay (P2P) system and required a more consistent and efficient approach to managing low value procurement activity. The council faced high levels of non-compliance with Standing Orders, limited visibility of spend below threshold and an inconsistent experience for internal customers and suppliers. A new Corporate Buying Desk model was required to provide a standardised, compliant and efficient approach to procurement activity between £25k–£100k, aligned to the implementation of the new P2P
Our Approach
Working as an integrated team with the council’s procurement function, we designed and implemented a Corporate Buying Desk, aligned to system implementation timelines.
Key elements of our approach included:
Target Operating Model Design: Defining the structure, scope and resourcing of the Buying Desk team, including recruitment of key roles.
End-to-End Process Design: Developing a standardised procurement process for Buying Desk projects, with clear roles for service areas, finance and legal.
Templates, Tools and Guidance: Creating a suite of procurement templates, guidance and resources to support efficient and compliant delivery.
Systems Configuration: Configuring the council’s e-procurement system and supporting tools to enable Buying Desk activity and improve user experience.
Data Analysis and Demand Modelling: Analysing over £200m of in-scope spend to inform demand, resourcing and pipeline planning.
Change Management and Engagement: Engaging with over 200 officers across the council through workshops, leadership sessions and drop-ins to embed the new model.
Governance and Stakeholder Alignment: Establishing a cross-functional steering group including Legal, Finance and service areas to support implementation and decision-making.
Outputs and Outcomes
This work established a fully operational Buying Desk and strengthened the council’s ability to manage low value procurement activity effectively.
Key outputs and outcomes included:
Corporate Buying Desk established with a fully recruited team, including a Procurement Manager and Procurement Officers.
Standardised procurement process implemented for all Buying Desk activity between £25k–£100k.
Successful alignment with P2P system implementation, ensuring the Buying Desk was operational at go-live.
Suite of tools, templates and guidance developed to support efficient and compliant procurement delivery.
Improved visibility and oversight of low value spend, enabling greater control and future savings opportunities.
Enhanced customer and supplier experience through a more consistent and streamlined procurement approach.
About Us
Human Engine is a leading management consultancy with specialisms in strategy, transformation, digital, commercial, procurement and projects.
Founded in 2018, we have partnered with more than 50 local authorities, central government, NHS organisations and national charities to help transform their strategies, operations and cultures.
Our mission is to help individuals and organisations to do the best work of their lives. We do this by blending first-hand, practical experience of the problems we help our clients solve with award-winning consulting expertise and an approach based on trust, collaboration and partnership.