At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement projects in public health, ensuring timely and compliant delivery.
- Company: Dorset Council's Public Health team, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £500 a day, hybrid work model, and potential for 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.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 very closely with the Public Health team at BCP Council and shares many 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.
Work required in the next 12 months includes:
- Support for the project to re‑procure the pan‑Dorset sexual health contract for implementation in April 2027 (led by BCP Council).
- Preparatory work to re‑procure 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: Work closely with commissioning leads from both Dorset Council and BCP Council to provide additional procurement capacity within the Public Health team. Ensure that key procurement activities led by Dorset Council are delivered on time, effective, efficient, compliant and meet the needs of the two local authorities. 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. Build internal organisational experience of using the Provider Selection Regime. 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 dependant on performance and impact of role.
Hybrid: Interim Public Health Procurement Officer in Frome employer: Connect2Dorset
Dorset Council offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Interim Public Health Procurement Officer role, with a focus on collaboration and community impact. Employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth within a forward-thinking public health team. The council's commitment to social value and enhancing local services makes it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful contributions to public health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hybrid: Interim Public Health Procurement Officer in Frome
✨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 latest trends in public health procurement. Brush up on your knowledge of the Provider Selection Regime and be ready to discuss how you can bring value to the team. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, highlight specific projects where you’ve led complex procurements or improved processes. This will help potential employers see the impact you can make.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our listings and submit your application directly for the best chance at landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Hybrid: Interim Public Health Procurement Officer in Frome
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Public Health Procurement Officer. Highlight your experience with procurement projects, especially in a public sector setting, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like CIPS Foundation level 4.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, emphasise your strong communication skills and your ability to lead complex procurement projects. We want to see how you can effectively manage end-to-end procurements and navigate local authority governance.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and experiences related to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the Public Health team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act and the Provider Selection Regime. Be ready to discuss your experience with end-to-end procurements, especially in a public sector setting. This role is all about compliance and governance, so showing that you know your stuff will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of complex procurement projects you've led, particularly those over £500k. Highlight how you managed risks and ensured timely delivery. The interviewers will want to see that you can handle high-stakes situations, so come armed with specific stories that demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain complex procurement processes, so being able to break them down into simple terms will show your understanding and make you stand out.
✨Understand the Local Authority Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the workings of local authorities, especially Dorset Council and BCP Council. Knowing their governance arrangements and how they impact procurement will give you an edge. It shows you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the role and its context.
