At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and manage supplier inquiries in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leading local authority committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career development with a focus on community impact.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in public sector procurement and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28621 - 28621 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time £25,959 to £28,621 Per Annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: Thursday 30th July 2026 at 11.59pm.
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK. This role will be filled on a hybrid basis, meaning you can work remotely part of the working week with an expectation to attend the office at least 1 day per week. Any journeys to the office would be at your own expense.
The Procurement Support Office is our entry level role and is a great starting point for those completely new to procurement. You will play a role in supporting the Procurement function across a broad range of activities within the procurement team. The role will contribute to the effective delivery of projects related to all county council services.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and responding to supplier and contractor enquiries.
- Supporting market engagement and pre-market activities.
- Providing contract administration across projects.
- Assisting with lower value sourcing, tendering, and contract management tasks, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and framework governance.
- Producing research and analysis to inform category strategies, including supply chain insights, cost analysis, and opportunities for improved supplier or framework performance.
- Identifying ways to streamline processes, reduce waste, and introduce technologies or automation where possible, while remaining compliant with existing contractual and framework constraints.
Success in the role will rely on strong analytical skills and the ability to explore alternative solutions that meet stakeholder needs across construction, development, and housing delivery projects. This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to build specialist expertise in public sector procurement while supporting meaningful development programmes across Essex.
Accountabilities:
- Manage responses to supplier queries, co-ordinating the support to market engagement events and providing contract administration.
- Lead on the delivery and development of contract and supplier amendment and update processes including contract novations, price uplifts and onboarding new suppliers to ECC, liaising with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate.
- Manage contracts to ensure that performance standards are achieved and any contractual, commercial or market risks are identified and appropriate mitigations put in place.
- Deal effectively with supplier correspondence, ensuring that messaging is conducted in a fair, transparent and auditable manner.
- Lead the delivery of low risk sourcing processes, ensuring compliance with the Authority's Procurement Policy and Procedures.
- Lead the development, planning, and delivery of improvement projects, ensuring effective stakeholder management and compliance with existing contractual requirements.
- Adopt a continuous improvement approach to systems and processes to support the development of best practice for wider department benefit.
- Plan and implement a risk-based programme of contract compliance audits in conjunction with specialist areas of the organisation such as Internal Audit, Corporate Health and Safety, Corporate Risk, and Information Governance.
Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring:
Essential Criteria:
- Demonstrates a positive and proactive approach, with a strong work ethic and a 'can do' attitude.
- Problem solving mindset, with the ability to explore alternative solutions that meet internal customer needs.
- Detail focused, with a strong commitment to accuracy, compliance, and auditability.
- Strong relationship-building skills, able to work collaboratively with colleagues across capital delivery, housing development, and project management teams.
Desirable Criteria:
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with solid working knowledge of PowerPoint and Word.
- Studying for, or willing to study for, CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) accreditation.
- Experience of running low value tenders, with a working knowledge of public sector procurement law.
- Experience in managing lower value contracts, monitoring performance, and mitigating risks.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events, and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community.
Procurement Support Officer in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer for Adults Social Workers, offering a community-focused work environment in the diverse areas of Colchester and Tendring. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, ongoing professional development, and flexible working options, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to helping individuals achieve independence and live fulfilling lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Support Officer in Chelmsford
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Essex County Counci.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Support Officer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Essex County Counci:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Essex County Counci. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Essex County Counci.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Essex County Counci!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Essex County Counci. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Essex County Counci's culture.
