At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement projects in Public Health, ensuring timely and effective delivery.
- Company: Dorset Council's Public Health team, fostering collaboration with BCP Council.
- 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 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 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, all while fostering a collaborative culture that values innovation and compliance. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance as you contribute to meaningful public health initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer - Public Health
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the public health and procurement sectors on LinkedIn. A friendly message can go a long way, and 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. We want to see you shine, so brush up on your knowledge of the Provider Selection Regime and how it impacts local authorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with real-life examples during interviews. Talk about specific projects you've led or been involved in, especially those that align with the role's requirements. We love hearing about your successes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer - Public Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement Officer role. Highlight your experience with procurement projects, especially in public health, and show how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with complex procurement projects and your understanding of the Procurement Act and Provider Selection Regime. We want to see how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in the past!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application gets to the right people quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 for public health.
✨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 local authority governance. 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 simply, as you'll need to work closely with various stakeholders from both Dorset and BCP Councils.
✨Understand Social Value
Familiarise yourself with how procurement can positively impact social value measures. Be prepared to discuss how you can ensure that spending delivers the best value for Dorset residents while enhancing community benefits. This will show your commitment to making a difference through your work.
