At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead low value procurement projects and support various business areas with procurement advice.
- Company: Join Historic Environment Scotland, a diverse and inclusive organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal development and training in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement while making a real impact on public sector projects.
- Qualifications: Basic understanding of procurement procedures and strong teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34721 - 34721 £ per year.
As Procurement Officer you will lead on a range of low value procurement exercises, supporting and advising on procurement matters to all business areas, deliver procurement training and administratively assist with the electronic purchasing card programme. The procurement projects will cover the supply of goods, provision of services, works and conservation services. A background in public sector procurement is desirable however consideration will be given to candidates with transferrable skills and looking to start a career in procurement.
Starting details
- Starting salary: £34,721
- Contract type: Permanent
- Grade: 3
- Location: Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH
- Working hours: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week
- Interviews: To be held in person on week commencing 13 July 2026
Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland
- Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme – 28% employer contribution
- 25 days annual leave, pro‑rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays
- Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
- Support for further education and personal development
- Study leave for work related courses
- Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
- Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
- Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties
Key Responsibilities of this role
- Lead the end‑to‑end tendering process (low value and quotations) from helping the service with specifications, preparing tender documents, and incorporating any legislative changes or updated guidance from Scottish Government.
- Ensure the evaluation of the tenders is done fairly and transparently, then inform all suppliers of the outcome of projects in line with Public Procurement Legislation and both SG Guidelines and HES internal procedures.
- Provide advice on procurement procedures for devolved procurement – projects run by Business Areas.
- Collaborate with other public sector organisations to explore opportunities for combining tendering requirements.
- Check and approve Purchase Requisitions in the Oracle Fusion Finance System.
- Assist in training colleagues on how to use Fusion for raising and approving orders.
- Assist with training HES staff on procurement processes and procedures.
- Attend Meet the Buyer Events throughout Scotland to promote HES and encourage suppliers to bid for projects.
- Ensure contract management practices are followed in the organisation – assist in training of contract managers and updating internal guidance.
- Provide assistance in the maintenance, management and compliance of the electronic purchasing card programme.
- Assist with producing spend reports to identify new contract opportunities and to monitor spend on existing contracts.
- Assist with maintaining and publishing a contract register which is a legislative requirement under the Procurement Reform Scotland Act.
Key requirements of the role
In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to submit a cover letter which addresses how you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 1,200 words), using examples of where you have demonstrated these criteria previously. Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. It is only essential and desirable criteria that you use to assess for selection.
- Basic understanding of public procurement procedures and regulations.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and to work on multiple projects at the same time.
- Demonstrable experience of using a variety of IT tools.
- Demonstrable experience of working as part of a team, or cross department with other colleagues or wider community.
- Strong planning and prioritisation skills.
- Strong interpersonal & communication skills, ability to build good working relationships.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.
Accessibility
If you require your application in an alternative format, please contact us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team. Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.
Apply
To submit your application online, please read our ‘How to Apply’ followed by the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.
Procurement Officer employer: Historic Environment Scotland
At Historic Environment Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and employee well-being. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, our team enjoys generous benefits including a Civil Service Pension scheme, flexible working hours, and opportunities for further education, all while contributing to the preservation of Scotland's rich heritage. Join us to make a meaningful impact in public procurement and grow your career in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Contact Details:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer
✨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 Historic Environment Scotland.
✨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 Officer
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 Historic Environment Scotland:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Historic Environment Scotland. 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 Historic Environment Scotland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland
✨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 Historic Environment Scotland!
✨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 Historic Environment Scotland. 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 Historic Environment Scotland's culture.
