At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement projects in Public Health, ensuring timely and efficient delivery.
- Company: Join Dorset Council's dynamic Public Health team with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £500 a day, hybrid work model, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on impactful projects and enhance your career in the public sector.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health while gaining valuable experience in procurement.
- Qualifications: CIPS Foundation level 4 or equivalent experience required.
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 share 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.
Procurement Officer - Public Health in Frome 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 enhance community health services while ensuring compliance and best value for residents. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful contributions to public health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer - Public Health 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. Familiarise yourself with the Provider Selection Regime and think of examples from your experience that showcase your skills. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications after a week or so. A quick email can show your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar. Plus, it gives you a chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job postings! We regularly update our listings, and applying directly through us can give you an edge. Let’s get you that Procurement Officer role together!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer - Public Health in Frome
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 leading complex procurement projects, especially those over £500k. We’re keen to see examples that demonstrate your understanding of the Procurement Act and Provider Selection Regime.
Highlight Communication Skills:Strong communication is key for this role. Be sure to include instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with teams or stakeholders, particularly in a local authority context. We love seeing how you can bridge gaps and ensure smooth processes.
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 keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our 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 high-risk procurement projects, especially those over £500k. This will show that you understand the complexities of the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Local Authority Experience
Highlight any previous work you've done in a local authority setting. Talk about your understanding of corporate governance arrangements and how you've navigated them in past roles. This will demonstrate that you're familiar with the environment you'll be working in.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific procurement challenges, especially in public health. Think of examples from your past where you've led end-to-end procurements or dealt with complex projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might want to prepare a few key points about how you can enhance social value measures through procurement, as this is a focus for the role.
