At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor contracts, maintain records, and support performance reporting.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leading local authority focused on innovation and community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, career development support, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: This role offers a fixed-term contract for up to 18 months with potential for secondment.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team impacting local skills training and job opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must have RQF Level 3 or equivalent experience, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 24500 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time
£25,081 to £27,653 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 18 months.
The Contract Support Officer is part of the Business, Strategy and Commissioning Team and ensures that all contracted work is effectively monitored. Responsible for ensuring all necessary reporting, recording and liaison is completed within set timescales as outlined by associated funding bodies. Essex County Council (ECC), acting as the Lead Authority, is delivering the Skills Bootcamps programme - part of the Government's Lifetime Skills Guarantee. These are free, flexible training courses lasting up to 16 weeks, designed to help adults gain in-demand, sector-specific skills and secure guaranteed job interviews upon completion. The programme targets priority sectors such as digital, construction, health and social care, logistics, and green industries, and is co-designed with employers to meet local labour market needs. The role is responsible for maintaining records and databases relating to contracted service provider organisations and funded programmes, ensuring all entries are accurate and timely. Possessing a high standard of communication and an ability to critically analyse and identify problems and solutions. Experience of developing systems or processes within ECC or similar organisations is desirable.
Accountabilities
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of contracted work using ECC's contract management systems.
- Ensure all required documentation and data from funding partners and training providers is received in a timely manner to support contract compliance.
- Monitor and update contract information to ensure ECC meets its contractual obligations and can respond to internal and external stakeholders within agreed timescales.
- Support the continuous improvement of contract management processes and systems, contributing ideas and feedback to enhance service delivery.
- Assist in the preparation of reports, data summaries, and dashboards to support performance monitoring and decision-making.
- Coordinate and track contract milestones, deliverables, and key performance indicators to ensure timely and effective delivery.
- Liaise with internal teams, training providers, and funding bodies to resolve queries and maintain strong working relationships.
- Support contract review and audit processes by ensuring documentation is complete, accurate, and accessible.
- Provide administrative support for procurement and commissioning activities, including document collation and data entry.
- Identify and escalate risks or issues in contract delivery to the Contract Manager or Programme Lead as appropriate.
Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Educated to RQF Level 3 or equivalent by experience in a similar field.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
- High standard of communication skills, able to express clearly and concisely aims, objectives and outcomes.
- Experience of developing systems or processes.
- Track record of delivering work, successfully, on time and within resource constraints.
- Ability to critically analyse and identify problems quickly and accurately and offer speedy and customer-centric solutions.
- Able to use own judgement and initiative to problem solve and deliver solutions.
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.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email.
Contract Support Officer, Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic public service environment in Chelmsford that prioritises innovation and employee well-being. With flexible working arrangements, a commitment to professional development, and a focus on community impact, employees are empowered to grow their careers while making a meaningful difference in the lives of 1.8 million residents. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to transformational change and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Support Officer, Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Skills Bootcamps programme and its objectives. Understanding how this initiative aligns with local labour market needs will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector, especially those involved in contract management or similar roles. Engaging with current employees at Essex County Council can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with data management and reporting. Highlight any specific systems or processes you've developed in previous roles that could enhance contract compliance and performance monitoring.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of how you've identified issues and implemented solutions in past positions. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively, which is crucial for the Contract Support Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Support Officer, Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of a Contract Support Officer. Focus on your ability to maintain records, monitor contracts, and communicate effectively.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are key for this position.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, emphasise any experience you have in contract management, data analysis, or administrative support. Use quantifiable achievements to showcase your impact in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role of Contract Support Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Contract Support Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific tasks mentioned, such as monitoring contracts and maintaining accurate records.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Since the role requires a high standard of communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in situations involving multiple stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss instances where you've identified problems and implemented solutions. Highlight your analytical skills and how they can contribute to improving contract management processes, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Prepare for Questions on Compliance
Given the importance of compliance in this position, prepare to answer questions about your experience with monitoring contractual obligations and ensuring documentation accuracy. Think of specific examples that demonstrate your attention to detail and organisational skills.
