At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting procurement projects and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
- Company: Join a local Council dedicated to high-quality public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on social value and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or related fields is a plus, but passion and willingness to learn matter most.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Role Purpose: To support the delivery of high-quality procurement activity across a local Council, ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, the Council's Contract Procedure Rules, and applicable financial regulations. The post-holder will lead and support a range of procurement projects from market engagement through to contract award, securing value for money, embedding social value, and supporting the Council's strategic priorities. The role sits within the central Procurement team and works closely with service directorates, budget holders, contract managers, and legal colleagues. The post-holder will operate as a subject-matter expert on public procurement and provide advice and guidance to officers across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Procurement Delivery
- Lead end-to-end procurement processes for goods, services, and works at a range of values, including above-threshold procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Draft tender documentation, including specifications, evaluation criteria, terms and conditions, and contract notices for publication on the Find a Tender Service (FTS) and Contracts Finder.
- Manage compliant e-tendering processes through the Council's electronic procurement portal (e.g. ProContract, In-Tend, Delta eSourcing, or Atamis).
- Run market engagement activity including preliminary market consultation, soft market testing, and supplier days.
- Evaluate tender submissions in conjunction with service colleagues, ensuring fair, transparent, and auditable decision-making.
- Advise on the appropriate use of frameworks (CCS, ESPO, YPO, NEPO, CPC, Procurement for Housing) and Dynamic Markets where a full tender is not the best route.
- Contract Management Support
- Support the mobilisation of new contracts, including supplier onboarding and KPI agreement.
- Maintain the Council's contracts register and ensure data is accurate and up to date.
- Provide guidance to contract managers on variations, extensions, and exit planning.
- Support supplier performance reviews and assist in addressing performance issues.
- Compliance, Governance & Reporting
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with the Procurement Act 2023, the Council's Contract Procedure Rules, and relevant legislation (including the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and the Equality Act 2010).
- Prepare reports and recommendations for senior officers, Cabinet, and committee approval, including contract award reports and waiver requests.
- Maintain comprehensive procurement records to ensure full auditability and respond to internal audit and FOI requests.
- Support the Council's response to procurement challenges, including standstill correspondence and debriefs to unsuccessful bidders.
- Social Value, Sustainability & EDI
- Embed social value into procurement activity in line with the Council's Social Value Policy and the TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) framework or local equivalent.
- Promote opportunities for local SMEs, voluntary and community sector organisations, and supported businesses.
- Support delivery of the Council's net-zero and sustainability commitments through procurement decisions.
- Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in supplier selection and contract delivery.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across directorates, providing clear and pragmatic procurement advice.
- Manage relationships with suppliers and prospective bidders professionally and impartially.
- Represent the Council at relevant regional procurement networks and forums where required.
Procurement Officer - CONTRACT in High Wycombe employer: JCW Group
As a Procurement Officer within the local Council, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to delivering high-quality procurement services that align with strategic priorities and promote social value. The Council fosters a collaborative work culture that values compliance, sustainability, and community engagement, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the public sector. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, this role not only provides meaningful work but also allows you to make a tangible impact in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer - CONTRACT in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the procurement field. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with procurement processes and compliance. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed projects or improved efficiency in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job that fits your skills, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council’s strategic priorities and recent procurement projects. Tailor your answers to show how your expertise aligns with their goals. This will not only impress them but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer - CONTRACT in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Procurement Officer role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Use keywords from the job description and showcase your relevant experience in procurement, compliance, and contract management. We love seeing how you fit into our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just listing duties. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led procurement projects or improved processes. This helps us visualise the impact you could have at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team! Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting that submit button.
How to prepare for a job interview at JCW Group
✨Know Your Procurement Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023 and the Council's Contract Procedure Rules. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you understand the legal framework governing procurement, which is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past procurement projects you've led or supported. Highlight your experience in managing end-to-end processes, drafting tender documentation, and evaluating submissions. This will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and ability to deliver results.
✨Emphasise Social Value and Sustainability
Be ready to discuss how you've embedded social value into procurement activities in previous roles. Share specific instances where you've promoted local SMEs or contributed to sustainability commitments, as this aligns with the Council's strategic priorities.
✨Build Relationships and Communicate Effectively
Think about how you've engaged with stakeholders in the past. Prepare to talk about your approach to building strong working relationships and providing clear advice. Effective communication is key in this role, so showcasing your interpersonal skills will be a big plus.
