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- Tasks: Assist in managing the Council’s Peacehaven PFI Contract and build relationships with schools.
- Company: Join a dedicated team within the Business Services department of East Sussex Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and a diverse range of employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your contract management skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and proficiency in IT systems like Outlook, Word, and Excel required.
- Other info: Interviews via Teams or in-person; local travel across East Sussex is part of the role.
Do you have a passion for excellent customer service and an interest in contract management within a school setting? The Contract Officer role sits within the Business Services department, which helps ensure the Council can provide its whole range of services effectively. This role is part of the Estates Team which delivers vital services to schools and corporate sites. You will be working in a close-knit team where contract management delivery is at the heart of what we do.
You will be responsible for assisting the Contract Manager in the operational management of the Council’s Peacehaven PFI Contract to expiry in July 2026. The role involves building sound professional relationships with schools, stakeholders and contractors.
We are looking for candidates who:
- Have proven experience in contract management
- Thrive in a fast paced varied environment where no two days are the same
- Possess organisational skills
- Enjoy providing and monitoring project management documentation
- Enjoy problem solving and managing queries through to completion
- Are proficient in the use of IT systems such as Outlook, Word and Excel
- A willingness to travel, the role covers schools across East Sussex
Some local travel will be required for this role, in addition to occasionally working evenings to accommodate the needs of schools. To apply for this role, please send your CV and a covering letter. Be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests.
Interviews will be held over Teams, week commencing 19 May 2025. If you are unavailable on these dates, or would prefer an in-person interview, let us know. The role involves visiting schools across East Sussex with office days based in Lewes. There are elements of hybrid working, and some flexibility to manage your own calendar.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Pauline Young - Pauline.young@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a MS teams call or phone call.
For work that makes a difference.
Contracts Officer - PFI employer: East Sussex County Council
Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Officer - PFI
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific PFI contracts and their management processes. Understanding how these contracts operate within a school setting will give you an edge in discussions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in contract management. Building relationships can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and provide examples of how you've managed queries in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your organisational skills by discussing how you manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. This is crucial for the role, so having concrete examples will help you stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Officer - PFI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in contract management and customer service. Use specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your organisational skills and problem-solving abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, directly address how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description. Mention your relevant work or life experiences, and express your enthusiasm for working within a school setting.
Showcase IT Proficiency: Since proficiency in IT systems like Outlook, Word, and Excel is essential, consider including specific instances where you've successfully used these tools in your previous roles. This will help demonstrate your capability to manage project documentation effectively.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your experiences in detail. Think about examples that showcase your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and how you've built professional relationships with stakeholders in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Showcase Your Contract Management Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in contract management during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed contracts, particularly in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves building relationships with schools and stakeholders, emphasise your passion for excellent customer service. Share instances where you’ve gone above and beyond to meet client needs or resolve issues.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of situations where you faced challenges in contract management and how you navigated them to completion. This will show your capability to handle queries effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Systems
As proficiency in IT systems like Outlook, Word, and Excel is essential, be ready to discuss your experience with these tools. You might even want to mention any specific projects where you utilised these applications to enhance your work.
