At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and manage contracts for the Council, ensuring compliance and value for money.
- Company: Local Authority in Surrey with a focus on community and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, and exposure to diverse procurement projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and strategic involvement in procurement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on local governance and community services.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43596 - 45637 £ per year.
We are currently partnering with a Local Authority based in Surrey, who are recruiting for a Procurement Officer to join their team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. Our client is looking for an organised and proactive procurement professional to support the delivery of procurement and contract management activities across the Council, ensuring compliance with procurement legislation whilst delivering value for money.
This is a full-time position (37 hours per week) with hybrid working based in Oxted. The salary is between £43,596 - £45,637, and the start date is subject to notice.
Duties will include (but are not limited to):
- Supporting the Procurement Manager with the delivery of the Council's procurement strategy and day-to-day procurement activity
- Managing low to medium-value procurement exercises from initiation through to contract award
- Preparing specifications, tender documentation, evaluation models and award reports
- Managing procurement exercises using the Council's e-tendering system (INTENT)
- Providing procurement advice and guidance to officers across the Council on procurement routes and processes
- Supporting contract management activities, including supplier performance monitoring and contract variations
- Preparing reports, briefing papers and procurement data for senior management and Procurement Boards
- Maintaining the Council's Contracts Register, procurement records and statutory reporting requirements
- Monitoring compliance with Contract Standing Orders, procurement legislation and governance procedures
- Conducting spend analysis, market research and supplier reviews to support strategic procurement decisions
- Liaising with Legal Services, suppliers and neighbouring authorities to support compliant and collaborative procurement activity
Experience required:
- Experience working within a public sector procurement or commercial environment
- Experience supporting end-to-end procurement exercises
- Understanding of procurement governance, compliance and contract management principles
Skills, knowledge and expertise required:
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
- Excellent analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail
- Ability to provide clear procurement advice to non-specialist stakeholders
- Good written communication skills, including report writing
- Ability to manage a varied workload independently whilst working collaboratively within a team
- Understanding of data protection requirements
- Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 (desirable)
- CIPS qualification or equivalent professional procurement experience (desirable)
Rewards and Benefits:
- Hybrid working
- Flexible working arrangements
- Opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of procurement projects across multiple Council services
- Exposure to strategic procurement and contract management activities
Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday.
Please note that you require recent relevant procurement experience to apply for this role.
Procurement Officer in Guildford employer: James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London. With a focus on employee development, the company provides extensive training and fast-track progression opportunities, making it an ideal place for graduates looking to build a rewarding career in recruitment. The uncapped commission structure further enhances earning potential, ensuring that hard work is recognised and rewarded.
Contact Details:
James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer in Guildford
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
