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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead urgent procurements for public and school transport, managing contracts and compliance.
- Company: Join a dynamic joint venture between Dorset Council and Commercial Services Kent Ltd.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working model, and immediate start.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government procurement while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on high-value contracts with excellent career growth potential.
Location: Hybrid (minimum 2 days in office per week)
Contract: Interim - 3 months
Day Rate: Competitive (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 as well as operational highway contracts. 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, public transport contracts, highway framework contracts for subcontractor resource and a highway service contract for operational delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end procurement processes for transport and highway 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).
Interim Senior Procurement Officer (Highways) in Dorchester employer: Connect2Dorset
Contact Detail:
Connect2Dorset Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Senior Procurement Officer (Highways) in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the procurement field, especially those who have experience with local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK procurement legislation and local authority processes. We recommend practising common interview questions related to procurement strategies and stakeholder engagement to show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your adaptability! Given the fast-paced nature of procurement, highlight examples from your past where you successfully managed multiple projects under tight deadlines. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Senior Procurement Officer (Highways) in Dorchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Senior Procurement Officer. Highlight your experience in public sector procurement and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with the job requirements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your understanding of local government procurement and your ability to manage complex projects.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can handle multiple high-priority projects, so give us examples of how you’ve done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Know Your Procurement Legislation
Make sure you brush up on UK public procurement regulations and the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them effectively in your role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you’ve successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of your negotiation skills and how you’ve managed relationships, especially in a local authority context. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex environments.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since this role involves managing multiple high-priority projects, prepare to discuss your project management experience. Highlight any tools or methodologies you’ve used to keep projects on track, especially under tight deadlines.
✨Familiarise Yourself with E-Tendering Platforms
If you have experience with e-tendering platforms and contract management systems, be sure to mention it. If not, do a bit of research beforehand so you can speak knowledgeably about how these tools can streamline procurement processes.
