At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Procurement Officer, managing procurement activities for our Digital Policing Department.
- Company: Be part of Northumbria Police, one of England's largest police forces dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a fantastic pension scheme with up to 16% employer contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CIPS certification or relevant procurement experience is preferred; strong planning and communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Agile working options available; we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 22100 - 32800 £ per year.
Role:
Salary: Career Graded 4-8 £26,106 – £39,372
Location: Agile, Forth Banks Police Station and homeworking
Hours/Contract: 37 hours per week, permanent
Working for #TeamNP
Our purpose at Team NP is simple: to keep people safe and to fight crime. But it takes more than officers alone to do the job – and that\’s where our 2,000-strong team of police staff and 200 volunteers come in.
As one of the largest police forces in England we have a huge variety of departments and specialisms offering you endless opportunities. From mentoring and coaching schemes and online soft skills courses to leadership development programmes; we\’ll give you the support, training and time to carve out the career you always wanted.
As one of the top 50 UK inclusive employers and a disability confident employer, we promote a culture of respect in the workplace so everyone can feel seen, heard and valued.
Whether you\’re a member of staff or a volunteer, you can also expect first-rate support to manage your health and wellbeing. With year-round events, a 24/7 welfare support hotline and a leading approach to neurodiversity, our initiatives enable you to be at your best.
Above all else, here at Team NP, we can offer you a career that is so much more than just a job, it\’s a chance to be part of something that really matters.
Learn about our full benefits package
The role
Here at Northumbria Police, we think our region is amazing! It takes a great deal of people from different backgrounds, with diverse skills and experience to serve our force area effectively, think you have what it takes to help us make a difference? This could be the perfect time for you to join us in our Procurement Department as a Procurement Officer.
As a Procurement Officer you will be responsible for procurement activities, specifically acquiring licences, software, goods and services on behalf of the Digital Policing (IT) Department within the Force, ensuring an effective and efficient procurement service that supports the Force\’s operational and strategic priorities is delivered.
The role is agile working and will require you to work from our office located at Forth Banks, Newcastle City Centre one day a week as a minimum. You may be required to attend other on-site meetings, at various locations, as and when required to meet business needs.
What you\’ll do
- Develop business cases, risk assessments, project plans, specifications, and evaluation criteria; prepare tender and contract documents in consultation with stakeholders to ensure compliance with current regulations, legislation, and procurement best practices.
- Research markets and available suppliers to identify best value opportunities for the Force and ensure adequate competition.
- Provide professional procurement advice and guidance to the Force, suppliers, and other stakeholders in accordance with Force procurement policies.
- Represent the Force in contract negotiations for acquiring goods and services; administer the issuing and return of tenders and quotations to enable the selection of the most suitable providers.
- Liaise closely with all stakeholders within your specific category/portfolio to ensure smooth operation of procurement and subsequent contract management.
- Manage a portfolio of contracts, ensuring they are let in accordance with agreed timescales, reviewed to monitor quality and performance, delivery of KPIs, compliance with DE&I legislation, and promotion of social value.
Sound interesting? For further information, and to support your application, please view the job description
What you\’ll bring
- Currently working towards CIPS certification, or demonstrable experience of working within procurement at a comparable level.
- Excellent personal planning skills along with the ability to manage multiple work streams, at different stages of development simultaneously.
- Be able to demonstrate good examples of effective problem solving through working examples.
- The ability to either work as team or as an individual to complete multiple work streams.
- Be able to communicate clearly and confidently, both written and verbally, with peers and senior management.
We know it\’s important for you to feel that you\’re not only part of a great team, but part of a community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Harnessing these differences creates a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, and their talents are fully utilised. Appointments are based on merit alone.
Interested to learn more? For further information about the role please contact Hayley Bradford, Head of Procurement by email at Hayley.Bradford@northumbria.police.uk
What we offer
- 26 days\’ leave (increasing to 30 days for 5 years+ service) plus 8 bank holidays
- NHS Fleet Solutions Car Lease Scheme
- Enhanced maternity, shared parental and adoption leave
- Flexi time – allowing you to fit your working hours around your individual needs
- Flexible working (we are happy to discuss options such as compressed hours)
- Agile working – option to work from home, your team zone, and spaces across the force
- Fantastic market-leading public sector pension scheme with up to 16% employer contribution
- Corporate travel schemes – local rail, bus services and metro discounts
- Access to private healthcare and eye test vouchers
- Discounts on shopping and eating out thanks to the Blue Light Card and Blue Light Tickets
- We\’ve invested in extensive paid sick leave, trained mental health first aiders on-site, an employee advice service for the times you need that additional support
- Access to gyms in some stations
- Sports & Social Club – join our thriving sports scene at Team NP and enjoy further exclusive discounts on days out and travel
- Cycle to work scheme
- Opportunity to volunteer in local community
Just so you know
Our application form will help us understand how your work, education and life experience has prepared you for the role of a Procurement Officer with #TeamNP. To help support your application research what makes us tick here at Northumbria, the role you\’re applying for and the values and behaviours that contribute.
The recruitment process will consist of the initial application form followed by a face-to-face interview. Just so you know, you can save your application and come back to it any time prior to the closing date on the advert.
We are proud members of the Business Disability Forum, with whom we collaborate with to improve the lives of disabled employees. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, therefore if you demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria for this role as stated in the advert, we will progress your application and offer you an interview.
If you tell us that you have a disability, we can make adjustments to support you through the recruitment process (for example we can arrange extra time for tests or provide a sign language interpreter) You can get in touch with us via careers@northumbria.police.uk for any support regarding the application process. Please provide us with plenty of notice so we can ensure your visit goes smoothly.
If your application is successful, we\’ll ask you to complete a Management Vetting (MV) form, therefore you must be a resident of the UK for a minimum period of 5 years to ensure vetting checks can be successfully performed. A job offer will be dependent upon vetting clearance, medical information, and references.
Terms of appointment
This is a permanent role subject to a six-month probationary period.
If you are successful in your application, you will have a six-month probation period with us where you will be unable to apply for any other post advertised internally or externally.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
\”Internal candidates with priority status will be given precedence for this role over other applicants.\” #J-18808-Ljbffr
Procurement Officer employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the procurement policies and regulations specific to the police force. Understanding these guidelines will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and best practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Northumbria Police, especially those in the procurement department. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the organisational culture, which can be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your problem-solving skills and how you've managed multiple projects simultaneously. This is crucial for the Procurement Officer role, as you'll need to showcase your ability to handle various work streams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in procurement, particularly within the public sector. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions and supplier options will position you as a well-informed candidate who can bring value to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Procurement Officer position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with what Team NP is looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in procurement, especially any work towards CIPS certification. Use specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and project management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also shows your enthusiasm for the role and the values of Team NP. Mention how your background can contribute to their mission of keeping people safe.
Prepare for the Interview: Once your application is submitted, prepare for a potential interview by practising answers to common questions related to procurement and your previous experiences. Be ready to discuss how you can add value to Team NP.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Procurement Officer. Familiarise yourself with procurement processes, contract management, and the specific needs of the Digital Policing Department. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your problem-solving abilities. Think of situations where you successfully navigated challenges in procurement or project management. Be ready to discuss these examples during the interview to illustrate your capability.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. You may be asked to explain complex procurement concepts, so being able to simplify your explanations will be beneficial.
✨Research Team NP
Take the time to learn about Team NP and its values. Understanding their mission to keep people safe and fight crime will allow you to align your answers with their goals. This shows your genuine interest in the organisation and how you can contribute to their success.