At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement and contracts, ensuring value for money in purchasing decisions.
- Company: Join a friendly finance team at Barnsley College.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working opportunities and a commitment to your personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in finance while making a real impact on the college's operations.
- Qualifications: Two years' experience in finance or procurement and strong communication skills required.
You will be an important part of a friendly finance team that supports the smooth running of the College’s financial operations. Working within a supportive and experienced department, you will deliver a responsive and efficient service by carrying out a range of financial and administrative tasks.
Based within the Procurement Section, you will support the tendering of goods and services across the College, helping to ensure value for money in purchasing decisions. This will include issuing pricing requests and providing advice to colleagues on the appropriate procurement routes for different areas of college spend.
A key part of the role will involve reviewing College contracts, with appropriate support, and highlighting areas where there may be significant risk. You will help to maintain the contract management process in line with college policy and provide guidance to contract owners on their responsibilities.
This is a varied role that offers the opportunity to work closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders. A positive, professional, and customer-focused approach is therefore essential.
You will join a team that values accuracy, teamwork and high standards, while also supporting the wider goals of the College, including equality, safeguarding and continuous improvement. With access to relevant training and development opportunities, this role offers the chance to build your skills and grow in a busy, well-organised finance environment. This is an excellent opportunity to build experience within a professional finance setting, gaining a strong understanding of procurement, contract management, and wider finance operations.
About You
We are looking for an organised, accurate and confident individual with experience in purchasing or procurement. You will have at least two years’ experience working in a finance, procurement or purchasing environment, ideally within the public sector.
You will have experience of tendering or purchasing and/or a good working understanding of contracts, with some knowledge of contract law being desirable. You will be able to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues across the College, as well as with external suppliers and stakeholders.
A helpful and professional attitude is key to supporting the team, applying College procedures and delivering a reliable, customer-focused service. You should be comfortable using finance systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and be willing to learn new systems and processes.
Ideally, you will hold CIPS Level 3 or have undertaken relevant contract or procurement training, supporting your ability to carry out tender evaluations and contract reviews with confidence and accuracy. You will need to manage your time effectively, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure. Flexibility is important, as priorities may change depending on the needs of the team. Most importantly, you will take pride in your work and contribute positively to the smooth and efficient running of the College’s finance function.
Required
- Four GCSEs at A–C (or equivalent), including English and Maths, or a Level 2 NVQ
- At least two years’ experience of working in finance or procurement or purchasing department.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Being able to communicate clearly both verbally and within written reports.
Reasons to join us
- We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
- Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
- Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous 19.2% employer contribution!
- We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
- Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
- Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
- 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
- Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
- Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
- Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
The Barnsley College Advantage
- Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
- A range of flexible working opportunities
- Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
- Short- and Long-Term development commitments
- Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
- Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
- Reward and Recognition
- Having your voice heard at every level
- Comprehensive Wellbeing Support
Closing date for applications is Sunday, 9th August 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to demonstrate this at the point of appointment. Please note that we are unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position.
Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.
Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.
We are committed to sustainability, embedding environmentally responsible practices across everything we do and preparing our learners for a low-carbon future.
Procurement and Contracts Officer employer: Barnsley College
Barnsley College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and empowering work environment where educators can thrive. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working opportunities, and a focus on wellbeing, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of construction professionals while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive culture at our state-of-the-art CUBE centre.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Contracts Officer
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Barnsley College.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement and Contracts Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Barnsley College:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Barnsley College. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Barnsley College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley College
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Barnsley College!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Barnsley College. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Barnsley College's culture.
