At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement projects and provide expert advice to ensure best value for the community.
- Company: Join Folkestone & Hythe District Council, making a real difference in local governance.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and health initiatives to support your wellbeing.
- Other info: Great location with excellent transport links and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values innovation and social impact in procurement.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 4 or equivalent experience in public sector procurement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is seeking an experienced procurement specialist to join our Procurement Team at a time of significant opportunity and change. Public Sector experience is advantageous particularly in light of Local Government Reorganisation.
This is a critical role, providing specialist support across the organisation with procurement and contract management advice. Its purpose is to ensure procurement activity delivers best value, follows strong governance and risk management, and supports our corporate priorities.
Join an organisation where procurement plays a vital strategic role and your work makes a real difference to the local community.
Key responsibilities- Advise officers on procurement governance, best practice, and procurement and contractual risk management
- Lead medium to high‑value and high‑risk corporate procurements
- Embed social value, innovation and SME / VCSE engagement
- Maintain contract registers and transparency reporting
- Deliver procurement training and support across the organisation
- Minimum CIPS Level 4 qualification or able to demonstrate equivalent expertise
- Recent experience in a public sector procurement role
- Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023
- Proven experience leading procurements and contract management
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Strategic, analytical and commercially focused approach
- Local government experience is desirable but not essential
- We offer a comprehensive, people focused rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, development and work‑life balance.
- Flexible, agile and hybrid working arrangements
- Generous annual leave: up to 31 days + bank holidays, plus birthday leave and Christmas office closure.
- Flexi‑time scheme to support work‑life balance.
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Health & wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Reimbursement of professional membership subscriptions
- Salary sacrifice schemes: cycle to work and lease car options.
- Corporate discount schemes for shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, days out and more.
- Great location: centrally based, close to transport links and free office parking.
We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all backgrounds, including disabled applicants and the Armed Forces community.
Advert closing date: Midnight on 2nd August 2026
Please note: This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. Subject to a high volume of applications, an additional shortlisting exercise may be used.
Interviews are due to be held on 10th and 11th August.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Mhairi Richards – Procurement Manager: Mhairi.Richards@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
How to apply: Please apply online via the link provided below. Please note that we do not accept CV's without a fully completed application form.
Senior Procurement Officer in Folkestone employer: Folkestone Hythe
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is an excellent employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and development, offering flexible working arrangements and a generous leave package, including up to 31 days of annual leave plus additional benefits. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the council fosters a collaborative work culture where your contributions directly impact the local community, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful career opportunity.
