At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement for public health projects and ensure timely delivery of contracts.
- Company: Dorset Council's Public Health team, focused on community well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £500 a day, hybrid work model, and potential contract extension.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health while gaining valuable procurement experience.
- Qualifications: CIPS Foundation level 4 or equivalent experience in public sector procurement.
Interim Procurement Officer, Public Health team
6 Months - Ongoing
Hybrid - 2 days in County Hall, Dorchester
Neg depending on experience. Up to £500 a day. Inside IR35.
Background
The Public Health team at Dorset Council works closely with the Public Health team at BCP Council and has many shared contracts. Most of these contracts are currently hosted by Dorset Council on behalf of both local authorities. The disaggregation of the former pan-Dorset public health team in April 2025 has increased the complexity of commissioning arrangements and generated additional procurement work. We have identified a need for additional procurement capacity to help manage the high volume of contract changes and new contracts that are required. Some work will be led by Dorset Council with other projects led by BCP Council.
Work required in the next 12 months includes:
- Support for the project to reprocure the pan-Dorset sexual health contract for implementation in April 2027 (being led by BCP Council)
- Preparatory work to reprocure the Children and Young People Public Health service (current contract ends Sept 2027)
- Health improvement services projects - AI text messaging, NRT supply, Vape supply, digital platform and IT infrastructure, community weight management services, digital health checks.
Most, but not all contracts are subject to the regulations of the Provider Selection Regime.
Purpose of role
To work closely with commissioning leads from both Dorset Council and BCP Council to provide additional procurement capacity within the Public Health team. To ensure that key procurement activities being led by Dorset Council are delivered on time and are effective, efficient, compliant and meet the needs of the two local authorities. To fulfil a bridging role with procurement colleagues within the Dorset Council central procurement team to ensure that all appropriate governance requirements are met for each individual project. To build internal organisational experience of using the Provider Selection Regime. To ensure that all spend on goods and services delivers best value for Dorset residents, including enhancing the opportunity for positive impact on social value measures.
Supervision
Reporting to: Consultant in Public Health / Head of Programmes. Matrix management through the Dorset Council Procurement team (Senior Procurement Officer, Greg Jackson).
Essential Criteria
- CIPS Foundation level 4 or equivalent experience.
- Detailed knowledge of both the Procurement Act and the Provider Selection Regime and experience of procurement projects using both in a public sector setting.
- Ability to lead end-to-end procurements and operate confidently within local authority governance.
- Experience of leading on complex, high-risk procurement projects in excess of £500k.
- Experience of working in a local authority setting and understanding of corporate governance arrangements and processes in this setting.
- Understanding of contract law.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement best practice.
- Knowledge of project management.
- Ability to apply strategic procurement processes, tools and techniques and an understanding of how to select and apply them to best effect.
- Knowledge and experience of procurement in the context of Public Health mandated services (desirable).
- Strong communication skills.
Length of contract
6 months initially with potential for extension depending on performance and impact of role.
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Procurement Officer - Public Health in Dorchester employer: Connect2Dorset
Dorset Council offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Procurement Officer role within the Public Health team, located in the picturesque County Hall, Dorchester. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, the council provides opportunities to engage in impactful projects that directly benefit the community, while fostering a collaborative culture that values innovation and compliance. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding public service careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer - Public Health in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public health and procurement sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the specific challenges faced by the Public Health team at Dorset Council. Show that you understand their needs and how your skills can help tackle those procurement complexities. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with high-risk projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in procurement aligns with the role's requirements. Focus on your knowledge of the Procurement Act and the Provider Selection Regime, and how you've successfully led similar projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! 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. Let’s get you that Procurement Officer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer - Public Health in Dorchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with procurement in a public sector setting. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Public Health team at Dorset Council.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience with complex, high-risk procurement projects. We’re particularly interested in any work you've done that relates to the Provider Selection Regime or similar frameworks.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the Public Health team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Procurement Act and the Provider Selection Regime. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in a public sector setting. This will show that you understand the complexities involved in procurement within local authorities.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of complex, high-risk procurement projects you've led, particularly those over £500k. Highlight your ability to manage timelines and ensure compliance with governance requirements. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the demands of the role effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you can convey complex information in an understandable way, especially when discussing your experience with stakeholders from different councils.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with the specific public health challenges faced by Dorset Council and BCP Council. Being able to discuss relevant local issues and how your procurement strategies can address them will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely invested in the role.
