At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on procurement and manage contracts to meet organisational goals.
- Company: Kent County Council, dedicated to delivering best value for local communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on community services and the local economy.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 5 or commitment to achieve it, plus relevant experience in procurement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
About the Role
This post is considered by Kent County Council (KCC) to be a customer‑facing position. The Council has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
We are looking for ambitious and motivated professionals to join our division as Senior Commercial and Procurement Officers in the People category, which covers Adult Social Care; Children’s and Young Persons; Integrated Health including Public Health and Families; and Communities and Education services. The People category accounts for over £850m spend under management. Commercial and procurement staff within the team support commissioning colleagues operating in a dynamic, challenging market, where no two days are the same. Currently, the team is undertaking a challenging programme of procurements, establishing frameworks for key services with a combined lifetime value of over £5b.
Kent County Council’s Commercial and Procurement Division is driven by its mission to ensure the Council is delivering "best value" for residents across £1.2b of annual contracted spend. By "best value", we mean much more than value for money and delivering savings; we are committed to delivering wider social, environmental, and economic benefits to Kent communities, and supporting the Kent economy.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide professional commercial and procurement expertise, advice and guidance, using a risk‑based approach, to assist stakeholders to plan, develop, source, and manage procurement arrangements to effectively meet organisational and business objectives.
- Ensure that major procurements within the programme of work are delivered successfully.
- Attend the office in Maidstone at least one day per week, with extra days depending on project requirements.
- Support the procuring and subsequent letting of all category contracts in compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, the Healthcare Service (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, and the Council’s Spending the Councils Money policy.
Requirements
- Achieved CIPS Level 5, or demonstrate a commitment to work towards this level.
- Previous commercial or procurement experience in the private or public sector.
- Excellent work ethic, organisational skills, and ability to manage multiple projects.
- Strong procurement knowledge and ability to support clients in delivering their commercial pipeline.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
- Ability to research, analyse, and interpret data/information to support the development of procurement plans and category strategies.
- Command of spoken English at a level sufficient for effective performance of the job requirements.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
KCC is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the county’s working residents and encourages applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities. The Council aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Commercial and Procurement Officer in Kent employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where ambitious professionals can thrive in the Commercial and Procurement Division. With a strong commitment to delivering 'best value' for residents, employees benefit from a culture of inclusivity, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community. Located in Maidstone, the role provides flexibility with a hybrid working model, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while contributing to significant projects that shape the future of Kent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial and Procurement Officer in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the commercial and procurement field on LinkedIn or at local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Kent County Council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their mission of delivering 'best value' for residents.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is customer-facing, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial and Procurement Officer in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial and Procurement Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your procurement knowledge and ability to manage multiple projects.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you’ve delivered value or improved processes, particularly in commercial or procurement settings.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. This will help us see your command of English and your ability to communicate effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Kent County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your commercial and procurement knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations, like the Procurement Act 2023, and understand how they apply to the role. This will show that you're not just interested in the position but also committed to staying updated in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your procurement expertise and ability to manage multiple projects. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, especially in a customer-facing context. This will help demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role requires excellent interpersonal skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might want to do a mock interview with a friend or family member to refine your communication style. Remember, it's not just what you say, but how you say it!
✨Align with Their Values
Research Kent County Council's mission and values, particularly their commitment to delivering 'best value' and supporting local communities. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, especially regarding social and economic benefits for Kent.
