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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Officer in Folkestone
✨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 Folkestone Hythe.
✨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 Senior Procurement Officer in Folkestone
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 Folkestone Hythe:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Folkestone Hythe. 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 Folkestone Hythe.
How to prepare for a job interview at Folkestone Hythe
✨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 Folkestone Hythe!
✨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 Folkestone Hythe. 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 Folkestone Hythe's culture.
