At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and suppliers, ensuring value for money and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career growth in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public service while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or contract management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 42977 - 42977 £ per year.
Permanent Full Time, 37 hours per week. £36,531 to £42,977 per annum plus Flexible Working & Local Gov Pension. Location: Chelmsford. Working Style: Anywhere worker. Closing Date: 27th August 2026 (23:59). Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Are you an experienced procurement or contract management professional looking to develop your career within a collaborative and supportive team? The Essex County Council procurement team is award winning with significant experience across a range of categories with fantastic opportunities across the large team to grow your career. We are looking for a Procurement Assistant Manager to join our Indirect Procurement team, supporting the effective management of a diverse portfolio of contracts and suppliers. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in procurement, commercial management or contract management who enjoys building strong stakeholder and supplier relationships, monitoring performance and driving continuous improvement from existing contractual arrangements.
Working closely with service areas, suppliers and procurement colleagues, you will play a key role in ensuring contracts deliver value for money, meet operational requirements and contribute to Essex County Council's strategic objectives. The role will primarily focus on contract and supplier management activity, whilst also supporting procurement exercises where required.
Accountabilities
- Lead the commercial management of a portfolio of indirect contracts, ensuring contractual obligations, performance standards and service outcomes are effectively delivered.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers, acting as a trusted advisor on contract and supplier performance matters.
- Establish and monitor contract management plans, performance measures and service improvement initiatives to maximise value and mitigate risk.
- Lead regular supplier performance reviews and governance meetings, ensuring issues are identified, managed and resolved appropriately.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, cost efficiencies and innovation throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Support contract mobilisation, implementation and transition activities, ensuring smooth delivery of services and effective stakeholder engagement.
- Take a proactive approach to identifying, assessing and mitigating contractual, commercial and supplier risks.
- Manage contractual changes, extensions, variations and disputes in accordance with governance requirements and procurement legislation.
- Provide commercial advice and support to stakeholders on contract management, supplier management and procurement-related matters.
- Support the delivery of procurement projects and sourcing activities where required, ensuring compliance with public procurement legislation and Council procedures.
- Contribute to the development of best practice contract management approaches, tools and processes across the Procurement team.
- Ensure accurate contract records are maintained and support reporting against key performance indicators and organisational objectives.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Educated to A-Level standard with a relevant professional qualification such as MCIPS, or working towards such a qualification, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- Experience of managing contracts and supplier relationships, including monitoring performance, managing risks and delivering continuous improvements.
- Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of contract management principles and governance requirements.
- Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver service improvements and value for money outcomes.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and their application within contract management activities.
- Experience of developing and maintaining productive supplier relationships within complex commercial environments.
- Strong negotiation, influencing and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.
- Ability to analyse performance information and identify opportunities to improve service delivery and commercial outcomes.
- An understanding of contract law and commercial principles applicable to public sector contracting.
- Aware of working within a political and customer-focused environment.
Recruitment Process
The selection process for this role will consist of several stages: Candidates who are shortlisted following application review will be invited to complete a one-way video assessment via Willo, where they will be asked a series of pre-recorded questions and will be required to record their responses. Candidates who successfully progress from the video assessment stage will then be invited to attend an Assessment Centre.
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. 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.
Procurement Assistant Manager - Contract Management Focus, Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Social Workers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people with disabilities. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, innovative practices, and professional development, our team enjoys a nine-day working fortnight and numerous opportunities for growth within a dynamic local authority. Join us in Chelmsford, where your contributions will be valued, and together we can empower the next generation to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Assistant Manager - Contract Management Focus, 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 Council.
✨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 Assistant Manager - Contract Management Focus, 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 Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Essex County Council. 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 Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨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 Council!
✨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 Council. 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 Council's culture.
