At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex procurements for public and school transport contracts.
- Company: Connect2Dorset, a trusted agency owned by Dorset Council.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate of £500, hybrid working, and immediate start.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local government procurement while enjoying flexibility.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Interim Senior Procurement Officer – Highways and Transport
Must be able to travel to Dorset Council (2 days a week in the office) with some flexibility for the right candidate. Previous local government experience is essential with working knowledge within School Transport Contracts and Public Transport Contracts.
About Us: Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities within Dorset Council. Our service is built on our values of being ethical, trustworthy and caring, with profits returned to our Local Authority shareholders.
Location: Hybrid (2 days in office per week – some negotiation)
Contract: Interim – 3 months – 37 hours a week
Day Rate: £500 a day Inside IR35
Start Date: Immediate
Role Purpose: We are seeking an experienced Interim Procurement Officer to lead urgent and complex procurements. This role will support the delivery of high-value contracts for public and school transport. The primary purpose of the recruitment is a skilled procurement officer with an understanding of local government procurement with a Place context. This supports the strategic procurements including school transport contracts and public transport contracts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage end-to-end procurement processes for school transport contracts and public transport contracts.
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with UK public procurement regulations, the Procurement Act 2023, and local authority standing orders.
- Prepare tender documentation, support supplier engagement, and oversee evaluation and award processes.
- Advise internal stakeholders on procurement strategy, risk management, and contract compliance.
- Support the development and delivery of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems.
- Maintain accurate records for audit and governance purposes.
- Provide expert guidance to internal teams.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience in public sector procurement, ideally within a local authority setting.
- Strong knowledge of UK procurement legislation and contract forms (NEC).
- Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects under tight deadlines.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
- Immediate availability and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
Desirable:
- MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification.
- Familiarity with e-tendering platforms and contract management systems.
Working Conditions: Hybrid working model (minimum 2 days in office per week).
Senior Procurement Officer employer: Baltimore Consulting
Baltimore Consulting is an exceptional employer that fosters a values-driven culture, prioritising quality and integrity in every aspect of its work. As a Recruitment Consultant in Bristol, you'll benefit from a hybrid work model, enjoy uncapped commission, and generous holiday allowances, all while contributing to meaningful appointments in the public sector. The company is committed to employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Officer
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Baltimore Consulting that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Baltimore Consulting can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Baltimore Consulting that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Baltimore Consulting know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
