At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a skilled team to manage procurement across diverse sectors and support local initiatives.
- Company: Devon County Council, committed to diversity and innovation in public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful location with a supportive team and great career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or willingness to learn; relevant qualifications are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Joining the Strategic Procurement Service at Devon County Council, you will be part of a supportive and skilled team. Our Category Management approach links expertise and relationships, and exposure to wide ranging business disciplines. We work collaboratively alongside our client services and partners. Devon celebrates diversity, and we promote agility and innovation through technology, flexible work practices and great teamwork.
This post fits within a procurement team with a diverse portfolio spanning Infrastructure, Performance and Partnership, Waste, Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health, ICT and Business Support. We are looking to appoint to the below position: 1 x Senior Procurement Officer (SPO) - Infrastructure Team - Focus on Skills within the Performance and Partnership directorate.
We are seeking an experienced procurement professional to increase our team. The individual role will focus on supporting the Performance and Partnership directorate, specifically around programmes funded through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ), Skills Bootcamps, and other future skills initiatives aligned with local and national workforce needs. The requirement for the team's support is steadily increasing, as increased service quality is leading to growing demand. The role also involves supporting partners.
Our procurement strategy is providing integral support for the Council's activities, and we are seeing a growing demand for strategic support across the Council which this role will support. The Council applies many different service delivery models across its operations, using a 'right model for the right service' approach. This includes single/multiple provider frameworks and contracts, use of small Lots, local, regional and pan-regional frameworks, joint ventures and many partnership operations.
Flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with the Council's 'How we Work' strategy. DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
We seek individuals with a positive and proactive approach who can apply the strategic procurement discipline to real world practicalities. People we seek to join our team will bring strategic, lateral thinking into practical reality and will work closely with our own team, with clients and partners to help achieve the very best outcomes for the people of Devon.
Working in collaboration with colleagues across the Council and beyond, you will be highly professional, organised, bring vision and ability to forward plan and be highly motivated. You will possess relevant procurement qualifications or be part qualified and willing to complete. MCIPS qualification would be advantageous albeit not mandatory. You will recognise both the commonalities and differences between commercial and public sector procurement environments and understand public sector drivers and ethos. You will have relevant procurement/commercial expertise and experience for the role and will bring a sound knowledge of relevant procurement legislation, case law and the ability to interpret and convey practical guidance to colleagues and partners including senior service area managers.
Procurement is an important driving force in Devon County Council for identifying and realising cost efficiencies and guiding the improvement of Value for Money in the Council's £350m annual procurement spend. Working for our organisation DCC is very rewarding, where you can make a real, positive difference in your local community. We are seeking a Senior Procurement Officer to support team capacity - an exciting opportunity for the right people with opportunities for workplan diversity and growth.
What we can offer you: Aside from the fulfilling day-to-day job, you'll benefit from our pension scheme and Employee Assistance Programme. You'll be living and working in one of the most beautiful parts of the country with the option to work from home when suitable. There are development opportunities in this role and potential to increase your annual leave based on years of service. Above all, you will be supported by colleagues with a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from, not just from within the Procurement team, but also from across the departments it serves.
Based at County Hall, Exeter incorporating hybrid/agile working, the site offers modern well-equipped offices, onsite café, parking and extensive grounds. 26 days paid annual leave - as set out in our annual leave policy (rising with length of service, pro-rata as relevant), plus bank holidays. Incremental salary increases. Access to the attractive Local Government Pension Scheme. Flexible working opportunities, including flexitime and hybrid/homeworking opportunities, to support work life balance. Training, learning and personal development opportunities. Access to the Employment Assistance Programme and Devon Discounts schemes.
Procurement and Contracts Officer in Exeter employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, where employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in their local community. With flexible working arrangements, a commitment to professional development, and a diverse portfolio of projects, the role of Procurement and Contracts Officer offers unique opportunities for growth and collaboration within a skilled team. Enjoy the benefits of living in one of the UK's most beautiful regions, alongside modern office facilities and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Contracts Officer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those connected to Devon County Council. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's procurement strategy and recent projects. Show us that you understand their goals and how your skills can help achieve them. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since the role requires fluency in English, make sure you're comfortable discussing procurement topics clearly and confidently. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to polish your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Devon County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement and Contracts Officer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement and Contracts Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially around strategic procurement and collaboration.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how they apply to the role. If you have experience with public sector procurement or specific projects related to the Adult Skills Fund, make it clear! We want to see how you can bring value to our team.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for individuals who are proactive and positive, so share your passion for procurement and how you can contribute to making a difference in Devon.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around public sector legislation and case law. Familiarise yourself with the specific procurement strategies used by Devon County Council, as this will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand its context.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various teams and partners, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and work in a team, as this aligns perfectly with their focus on teamwork and partnership.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you can apply strategic procurement principles to real-world scenarios. Think about how you can bring innovative solutions to the table, especially in relation to the Adult Skills Fund and other initiatives mentioned in the job description.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Given the emphasis on flexible working arrangements, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and adapt to changing circumstances. Share any experiences where you've successfully navigated flexibility in your previous roles, as this will resonate well with their values.
