At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage contracts to ensure compliance and performance in environmental services.
- Company: Join East Suffolk Council, dedicated to public health and environmental protection.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, local government pension, and discounts on various products.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in contract management required.
The predicted salary is between 53755 - 60504 £ per year.
Service Area: Environmental Services & Port Health
Team: Port Health
Salary: Band 8
Location: Felixstowe (with travel across the district and beyond as required)
Make an Impact Where It Matters
Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority (SCPHA) plays a vital role in protecting public health, supporting international trade, and safeguarding our environment. We are now seeking an experienced and driven Contracts Officer to lead and manage all aspects of our contracting and contract management activity. This is a key role within the Port Health team, ensuring that contracts are compliant, high performing, value for money, and aligned with governance and procurement regulations. If you thrive on building strong partnerships, driving performance, and making complex processes work smoothly - we would love to hear from you.
The Role
- Lead and manage the full contracting lifecycle - from specification and procurement through to monitoring, renewal, and improvement.
- Act as the subject matter expert for SCPHA on all contracting matters.
- Be the primary point of contact between suppliers, customers, and internal teams.
- Monitor performance against KPIs, identifying and resolving non-conformances quickly and effectively.
- Work closely with Procurement, Legal and Finance colleagues to ensure full compliance with legislation and Council procedures.
- Prepare and present reports (including Cabinet-level reports where required).
- Manage and monitor contract budgets, ensuring value for money.
- Drive continuous improvement through performance benchmarking and data-led reporting.
- Support smooth transition of new contracts into business as usual delivery.
This role reports directly to the Port Health Business Manager.
About You
We are looking for someone who brings:
Essential Experience
- A proven track record in procurement and contract management.
- Strong understanding of Local Government procurement processes.
- Experience in contract negotiation, specification, performance management and resolving deviations.
- Budget monitoring and financial awareness.
- Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders and service users.
Skills & Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Confident communicator who can influence at all levels.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Commercially aware with strong business acumen.
- Skilled in stakeholder management and relationship building.
- Able to deliver complex projects within deadlines and budgets.
- Strong report writing and IT skills.
Qualifications
- Degree level (Level 6) qualification or equivalent technical experience in a contract-related field.
Why work for us?
East Suffolk Council is a great place to work and there are lots of benefits our employees can access. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays).
- Local government pension scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
- Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.
For more information
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Bradley Borley by emailing bradley.borley@scpha.gov.uk
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 06 April 2026
Interview date: TBC
How to apply
- Step 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification.
- Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement template. Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification. Please use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted).
- Step 3 - Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted.
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people's lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk. We hugely value our staff and know that in order for us to remain successful, it is essential for us to recognise talented employees, developing and retaining them within the organisation. We are therefore committed to investing in our staff and providing first-class support to ensure a positive culture and rewarding careers.
Contract Officer in Felixstowe employer: East Suffolk Council
East Suffolk Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and tailored learning opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the community. Located in Felixstowe, this role as a Contracts Officer not only provides a chance to engage with diverse stakeholders but also to contribute to vital environmental services that protect public health and support international trade.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Officer in Felixstowe
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like East Suffolk Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like East Suffolk Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Officer in Felixstowe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for East Suffolk Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Suffolk Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with East Suffolk Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for East Suffolk Council.
