At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and ensure effective service delivery in housing property services.
- Company: Join Islington Council's Housing Property Services team for impactful community work.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 36 days leave, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing valuable skills in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and project support, with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a proactive and ambitious Procurement and Project Officer to join our Housing Property Services team at Islington Council. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑money services that directly support our repairs and maintenance operations. Working at the heart of service delivery, you’ll help ensure contracts are well planned, procured, and mobilised to support a responsive and effective housing service.
Responsibilities
- Support and lead procurement activities across a range of housing property services, ensuring strong planning and delivery throughout the life‑cycle.
- Develop and maintain procurement strategies and programmes to ensure continuity of critical service contracts.
- Work with service managers to shape specifications and define requirements ahead of tendering.
- Coordinate procurement processes from initial planning through to mobilisation, ensuring compliance with council and legislative requirements.
- Drive improvements in procurement practice, promoting value for money, quality, and social value outcomes.
- Monitor risks and ensure procurement processes are robust, transparent, and audit‑ready.
Qualifications
- Experience of delivering procurement activities, ideally within a public sector environment.
- Experience supporting or delivering projects, including planning and coordination.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Understanding of procurement processes and contract management principles.
- Knowledge of housing, repairs, or maintenance services (desirable but not essential).
- Ability to analyse and present complex information clearly.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to develop specifications, reports, and plans.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
About the Team
You will be part of the Programme Management Team within Housing Property Services, working closely with the Programme Manager and colleagues across repairs and compliance. The team plays a vital role in ensuring procurement activity is well‑governed, strategically aligned, and supports the council’s wider objectives for residents.
Our Offer to You
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work‑life balance, as well as a 35‑hour working week.
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
- Excellent local government pension scheme.
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.
We maintain a zero‑tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.
We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.
We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Disability Confident Scheme
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.
Procurement and Project Officer employer: Islington Council
Islington Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering up to 36 days of leave, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to the London Living Wage. With a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, the council fosters a supportive work culture where every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the community. Employees benefit from extensive learning opportunities and local discounts, making it a rewarding place to build a career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Project 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 Islington 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 Project 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 Islington Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Islington 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 Islington Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington 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 Islington 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 Islington 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 Islington Council's culture.