At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities, manage supplier queries, and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in public sector services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days leave, local government pension, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Build expertise in procurement while contributing to meaningful projects across Essex.
- Qualifications: Proactive attitude, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 35377 - 35377 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
£30,071 to £35,377 Per Annum
Location: Chelmsford
Closing Date: Thursday 30th July 2026 at 11.59pm.
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Supporting Statement
Please provide a supporting statement explaining why you believe you match the essential criteria listed below, describing the experience or transferable skills you possess. All applications without a supporting statement / information will be declined.
Interview Process
We will be using a two stage interview process when recruiting for this position, with the first stage being a one way video interview. The second stage will be an assessment centre, which will take place on the 20th August 2026 at County Hall Chelmsford.
This role will be filled on a hybrid basis. This means you can work remote part of the working week with an expectation to attend the office at least 1 day per week. Any journeys to the office would be at your own expense. More specific details about this can be discussed at the interview stage should you be invited to interview.
The Procurement Officer will play a key role in supporting the Procurement function across a broad range of activities, within the procurement team. The role will contribute to the effective delivery of projects across a wide variety of procurement activity.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and responding to supplier and contractor enquiries.
- Supporting market engagement and pre‑market activities.
- Providing contract administration across projects.
- Assisting with lower‑value sourcing, tendering, and contract management tasks, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and framework governance.
- Producing research and analysis to inform category strategies, including supply chain insights, cost analysis, and opportunities for improved supplier or framework performance.
- Identifying ways to streamline processes, reduce waste, and introduce technologies or automation where possible, while remaining compliant with existing contractual and framework constraints.
Success in the role will rely on strong analytical skills and the ability to explore alternative solutions that meet stakeholder needs across construction, development, and housing delivery projects. This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to build specialist expertise in public‑sector procurement while supporting meaningful development programmes across Essex.
Accountabilities
- Manage responses to supplier queries, co-ordinating the support to market engagement events and providing contract administration.
- Lead on the delivery and development of contract and supplier amendment and update processes including, contract novations, price uplifts and onboarding new suppliers to ECC, liaising with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate.
- Manage contracts to ensure that performance standards are achieved and any contractual, commercial or market risks are identified and appropriate mitigations put in place.
- Deal effectively with supplier correspondence, ensuring that messaging is conducted in a fair, transparent and auditable manner.
- Lead the delivery of low risk sourcing processes, ensuring compliance with the Authority’s Procurement Policy and Procedures.
- Lead the development, planning, and delivery of improvement projects, ensuring effective stakeholder management and compliance with existing contractual requirements.
- Adopt a continuous improvement approach to systems and processes to support the development of best practice for wider department benefit.
- Plan and implement a risk-based programme of contract compliance audits in conjunction with specialist areas of the organisation such as Internal Audit, Corporate Health and Safety, Corporate Risk, and Information Governance.
- Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
Essential Criteria
- Demonstrates a positive and proactive approach, with a strong work ethic and a “can‑do” attitude.
- Problem‑solving mindset, with the ability to explore alternative solutions that meet internal customer needs.
- Detail‑focused, with a strong commitment to accuracy, compliance, and auditability.
- Strong relationship-building skills, able to work collaboratively with colleagues across capital delivery, housing development, and project management teams.
Desirable Criteria
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with solid working knowledge of PowerPoint and Word.
- Studying for, or willing to study for, CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) accreditation.
- Experience of running low‑value tenders, with a working knowledge of public sector procurement law.
- Experience in managing lower‑value contracts, monitoring performance, and mitigating risks.
Company: Essex County Council
Salary: £30,071 – £35,377 per annum + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Location: Colchester, Essex
Sector: Corporate Services
Job Role: Officer
Procurement Officer in Colchester employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Childcare Lawyers in Northallerton. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee growth, the council fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer in Colchester
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Officer in Colchester
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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council's culture.
