At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement projects in Public Health, ensuring timely and compliant delivery.
- Company: Dorset Council, committed to enhancing community health through effective procurement.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £500 a day, hybrid work model, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on impactful projects with local authorities and enhance your professional skills.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health while gaining valuable experience in procurement.
- 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 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 Somerset employer: Connect2Dorset
Dorset Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Public Health team. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, staff are encouraged to enhance their skills through meaningful projects that directly impact the community. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while the opportunity to engage in complex procurement projects ensures that every day brings new challenges and rewards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer - Public Health in Somerset
✨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 through job boards; head straight to our website! We often post exclusive opportunities there, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in working with us.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are really keen on the role. Let’s make sure they remember you!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer - Public Health in Somerset
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. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with complex, high-risk procurement projects. If you've worked with local authorities or have knowledge of the Provider Selection Regime, make that clear! We love seeing candidates who understand the ins and outs of public sector procurement.
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. We appreciate clarity and brevity, so don’t waffle on!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
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 will show that you understand the complexities of the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex, high-risk procurement projects. Highlight any experience you have with budgets over £500k and how you ensured compliance with governance requirements. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your past experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and keep them focused.
✨Understand the Local Authority Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the workings of local authorities and their governance arrangements. Being able to discuss how you’ve navigated these processes in previous roles will set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re ready to collaborate effectively with both Dorset Council and BCP Council.
