At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and manage supplier relationships for impactful projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation with a commitment to sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible remote work, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in housing and construction while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Proactive attitude, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail required.
- Other info: Great career growth potential in a dynamic and supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 29053 - 34180 £ per year.
Overview
Fixed Term, Full Time
£29,053 to £34,180 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Closing Date: Friday 6th February 2026 at 11.59pm
Please note that this is a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment opportunity for a period of 12 months.
Interview Date: W/C the 23rd of February 2026
This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford, 1 day per week, with the remaining time allowing for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation's need.
Role description
The Procurement Officer will play a key role in supporting the Procurement function across a broad range of activities, within the Economy, Capital and Indirect Services procurement team. The role will contribute to the effective delivery of projects for housing & construction, facilities management, sustainable growth and indirect services.
Key responsibilities
- 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.
Procurement Officer - 12 month FTC in Basildon employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer - 12 month FTC in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, attend industry events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially around contract management and supplier relationships. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing past experiences related to procurement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer - 12 month FTC in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement, contract management, and stakeholder engagement to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving mindset and attention to detail. We love candidates who can demonstrate a proactive approach and a strong work ethic, so give us examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills at a glance. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on procurement principles and practices. Understand the key responsibilities of a Procurement Officer, especially around contract management and supplier engagement. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've tackled challenges in procurement or contract management. Highlight your proactive approach and how you’ve successfully navigated issues to meet internal customer needs. This will demonstrate your problem-solving mindset.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance
Since compliance is crucial in procurement, be ready to discuss how you ensure adherence to policies and procedures. Think of specific instances where you’ve implemented compliance measures or conducted audits, as this will show your attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, relationship-building is key in this role. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their procurement processes and team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you connect with them on a personal level.