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- Tasks: Support procurement processes and deliver value-for-money solutions for Lancashire County Council.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team at Lancashire County Council.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public service while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths; strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Ongoing application review, apply early to secure your chance!
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Job Description
Salary £32,061 – £36,363 per annum | Fixed Term until 31/12/2026, Full time 37 hours per week | County Hall, Preston
Are you a procurement professional with an eye for detail and a passion for public service? Join our Procurement and Contract Management Service and help deliver high-quality, value-for-money procurement solutions across Lancashire County Council.
As a Category Officer, you will:
- Carry out procurement and contract activities, supporting Category Managers with technical and analytical tasks.
- Independently manage low-risk procurement processes, including tenders and supplier engagement.
- Provide practical advice and guidance to internal customers, interpreting procedures and applying best practice.
- Analyse procurement data, identify discrepancies, and support service delivery improvements.
- Stay up to date with policy, legislation, and contractual requirements to ensure compliance and effective service delivery.
What we're looking for:
- 5 GCSEs (Grade C and above) including English and Maths.
- Experience working independently with specialised systems or IT software.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical users.
- Excellent written communication and task prioritisation skills.
- Detailed knowledge of procurement processes and regulatory frameworks.
Join us and help shape a modern, efficient procurement service that supports communities across Lancashire. Apply now to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team.
Closing Date: 21st November 2025
Application review is ongoing, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.
Why join us?
By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you, with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. Lancashire County Council truly is the place where you can have the career you've always wanted.
In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, which includes:
- A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
- A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which increases with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
- Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
- Access to fantastic development and career opportunities.
Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.
Job Description & Person Specification
Category Officer | Procurement | Full Time | Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Officer | Procurement | Full Time | Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those at Lancashire County Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your procurement knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've handled procurement processes in the past and how you can bring value to the team. We want to see your passion for public service!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've used data to improve processes or solve problems. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your expertise!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our collaborative team at Lancashire County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Officer | Procurement | Full Time | Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Category Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since strong analytical skills are key for this position, don’t shy away from showcasing examples where you've successfully analysed data or solved problems. We want to see how you can bring value to our procurement processes!
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly outline how you meet the criteria for the role, providing specific examples. Remember, we might not shortlist you without this, so make it count!
Apply Early!: We review applications on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the last minute. Get your application in as soon as possible through our website to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on procurement processes and regulatory frameworks. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but also understand how they apply in a practical context.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've used your analytical skills in past roles. Be ready to explain technical issues in simple terms, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with non-technical users.
✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement
Don’t forget to upload a strong supporting statement that clearly outlines how you meet the job criteria. This is your chance to shine, so make it specific and relevant to the role of Category Officer.
✨Stay Updated on Policies
Familiarise yourself with current policies and legislation related to procurement. Showing that you’re proactive about staying informed will impress the interviewers and highlight your commitment to compliance and effective service delivery.
