At a Glance
- Tasks: Support end-to-end procurement activities and provide expert advice to internal stakeholders.
- Company: Join a dynamic council team focused on responsible public spending and social value.
- Benefits: Full-time, permanent position with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Engage with diverse stakeholders and enjoy a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public sector procurement and contribute to sustainable outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or relevant public sector/commercial experience is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
- Terms and Conditions: 2x Full time, Permanent, 37 hours per week
- Department: Resources
- Interview date: w/c 3rd August 2026
Our Procurement function plays a vital role in ensuring public money is spent responsibly, transparently and in a way that delivers value for money, social value and strong outcomes for the borough. We work closely with services across the Council to deliver compliant, effective and proportionate procurements, support contract management, and help shape commissioning decisions. Collaboration, commercial awareness and a commitment to continuous improvement sit at the heart of what we do.
About the Roles:
We currently have 2 Contracts and Procurement Officer vacancies within our corporate procurement function. One role will be working on procurements within the resources portfolio and the other within Growth and Development. These posts are focused on supporting and delivering public sector procurement activity across a range of goods, services and works categories. It is not a purely administrative purchasing role; it requires professional advice, stakeholder engagement, tender management and a strong understanding of compliance and governance. The purpose of the roles is to provide procurement advice and support to services across the Council, helping them to plan and deliver compliant procurement exercises, achieve value for money, manage risk and contribute to wider strategic objectives including social value and sustainability.
You will work closely with category managers, commissioners, and service managers to develop and prepare tender documentation and deliver procurement activities.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting end-to-end procurement activity, from early market engagement and route-to-market planning through to tender evaluation, award and contract mobilisation
- Providing clear procurement advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on legislation, governance, standing orders and best practice
- Preparing and managing tender documentation, evaluation models, procurement timetables and using the Council’s e-procurement systems
- Working directly with service areas to develop specifications, evaluation criteria and commercially sound procurement approaches
- Working with category managers to identify opportunities for efficiencies, value for money, added value, social value and sustainable procurement outcomes across the Council’s spend
- Maintaining an up-to-date understanding of public procurement legislation and ensuring all procurement activity is transparent, compliant and properly documented
These roles involve regular engagement with internal stakeholders, suppliers and professional colleagues and requires confidence in managing competing priorities while maintaining high standards of governance and customer service.
Whether you are already working in a procurement role or looking to build on relevant public sector or commercial experience, we are keen to hear from candidates who are committed to high standards, continuous improvement and delivering positive outcomes through procurement.
Contracts and Procurement Officer employer: Blackburn with Darwen Council
Blackburn with Darwen Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible and hybrid working options, the council fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation, empowering employees to make meaningful contributions to the transformation of Adult Social Care services. Join us to be part of a team that values diverse perspectives and invests in your development.
Contact Details:
Blackburn with Darwen Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts and Procurement 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 Blackburn with Darwen Council.
✨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 Contracts and Procurement 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 Blackburn with Darwen Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Blackburn with Darwen Council. 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 Blackburn with Darwen Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackburn with Darwen Council
✨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 Blackburn with Darwen Council!
✨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 Blackburn with Darwen Council. 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 Blackburn with Darwen Council's culture.
