Procurement Officer

Responsible for the management of the procurement process, of quotes and tenders which are low risk and low/medium value across a range of goods and services which leads to the letting of contracts for the Council. To be undertaken following the agreement of specifications and standard processes by the commissioners and category managers.

Work with commissioners to develop and finalise service specifications.

Lead on the procurement process of undertaking mini competitions through existing National and Local framework agreements which leads to the letting of contracts for the supply of goods and services as required for the Council.

Supports the Senior Procurement Officer as required with procurement process on above OJEU threshold value procurements, which leads to the letting of contracts for the Council.

Guide and assist corporate and departmental customers on best procurement practice to ensure that there is an awareness and understanding of procurement legislation in the Council.

Monitor and report on supplier spend, and category spend to assist the Category Managers in the development of their strategic category strategies and procurement performance. Additionally making recommendations for action as appropriate.

Assist with research into supply markets, procurement activity in other public bodies, and changes in National strategy affecting procurement to assist the category managers with their strategic work.

Undertake procurement benchmarking activity with other public bodies for the cost and quality of goods and services, as directed by the category manager to ensure that the Council is getting value for money.

Respond and resolve supplier and customer queries in a timely manner.

Administer BMS related processes as defined and updated by Operational Procurement (e.g. process cockpit queries within the prescribed timeframe).

Support other initiatives/projects which contribute to the council achieving its procurement objectives, including supporting the development of service standards, strategies, processes and standard documents.

Education and Knowledge

• A CIPS membership or other relevant experience.
• A Level standard or equivalent education, or with at least 2 years post-qualification commercial experience.
• Knowledge of EU procurement directives and relevant legislation.
• Knowledge of current procurement best practice and issues affecting public sector procurement.

Personal Skills and General Competencies

• Negotiation skills.
• Ability to analyse and interpret financial, monitoring and other performance information.
• Excellent Communication skills - both written and verbal.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain accurate records including for financial control and audit requirements.
• Ability to organise own workload and set priorities.

Experience

• Professional procurement experience, working in a complex organisation with direct contact with stakeholders.
• Experience of undertaking procurement activity in at least one category of spend.
• Experience of progressing project work to a conclusion.
• Experience of supporting complex projects with a record of successful implementation.
• Experience of using purchase order systems e.g. SAP.
• Experience of using e-procurement systems.

Role Dimensions

• Providing procurement advice to requisitioners.
• Compliance with statutory requirements and the County Council's Constitution and Financial Regulations.
• Ensure effective procurement arrangements are in place and fostering procurement collaboration with other public bodies.
• Regular contact with mid structure staff in external organisations and suppliers.
• Access to/use of vehicle.

Organisation structure and role command

• No Line management responsibilities.
• May from time to time participate in project teams.
• The post holder is identified within the hierarchical structure as indicated on NCC SAP system:

• Group Manager
• Category Manager
• Procurement Officer

Barker Ross Group values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.