At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes for exciting housing projects in a dynamic council environment.
- Company: Harlow District Council, a forward-thinking local authority with big ambitions.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a thriving town with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and contribute to impactful community projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration or procurement; strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Harlow District Council is pleased to be supporting the recruitment of a temporary Procurement and Contracts Project Officer on an initial 12-month basis, with the possibility of a 12-month extension. Please note that this post requires the successful individual to be based on site for 2 to 3 days per week.
Harlow is a district of contrasts and an ideal location to both live and work. The town itself is thriving, with excellent shopping and leisure facilities for all ages. We have good road links to the M11 and M25 and excellent rail connections to London and Stansted Airport, just 35 minutes and 20 minutes away from Harlow respectively.
The role involves supporting the delivery of the ambitious Planned works programme. Working as part of the Procurement Team, you will provide essential administrative, coordination and project support throughout the procurement lifecycle of Housing Planned works to occupied council homes, including low and high rise residential blocks.
The programme will deliver major refurbishment and component replacement projects at speed and scale to occupied council homes, including low- and high-rise blocks within the context of The Procurement Act 2023. Partnering with internal and external stakeholders, the Procurement team will develop the programme's commissioning and procurement strategy and tender briefs for the next few years and ensure that projects are tendered in a transparent, fair, equal and compliant manner.
This role would suit someone with experience in business, commercial, procurement, housing, and/or property environments.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide administrative and coordination support to the Procurement Team across multiple projects and dimensions.
- Maintain systems and trackers to record the Procurement Team’s activities and progress.
- Coordinate commissioning and contracting tasks and liaise with internal and external consultants, solicitors and suppliers where required.
- Support the drafting and development of tender briefs by collating information and maintaining package documentation.
- Support the smooth handover of fully tendered and compliant contracts to the Pre Construction and Delivery teams.
- Assist with contract execution activities, including preparing correspondence, updating trackers, meetings and maintaining records.
- Maintain accurate project files, registers, risk logs and compliance information in line with statutory and Council requirements, including the Crown Commercial Services Policy Notices.
The experience you will bring:
- Experience in an administrative, coordination or support role within a commercial or construction, housing environment.
- An understanding of public sector procurement and contracting would be advantageous.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
- Confidence working with a wide range of internal teams and stakeholders.
- High attention to detail, with strong communication and IT skills, in particular Excel.
- Experience working in a Local Authority or public sector environment would be beneficial, but not essential.
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website. If you have any queries relating to this post, please email louise.butler@essex.gov.uk.
Procurement and Contracts Project Officer - Harlow District Council employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Contracts Project Officer - Harlow District Council
✨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 and Contracts Project Officer - Harlow District Council
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.
