At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Council's procurement processes and ensure value for money contracts are established.
- Company: Join an award-winning team in the Waltham Forest Council's Procurement Division.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Proactive role with opportunities to train staff and manage procurement systems.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public sector procurement and improve governance.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and experience in a cross-functional team environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Procurement Division in Waltham Forest is responsible for taking a strategic view of the Council's supply chain, ensuring value for money contracts are established, strategic contracts are managed effectively, and performance and business intelligence are used to manage external suppliers and challenge internal services. Our commercial approach to procurement and supplier management is key to delivering savings.
An opportunity has arisen for a Procurement Officer (sub FTS) in an award-winning team to ensure the Council's procurement systems work effectively and that users are supported in delivering value for money contracts (valued below EU thresholds) and conducting compliant end-to-end procurement processes. The postholder will provide training to staff and across partners, contribute to compliance, and offer basic procurement advice. The postholder will handle enquiries from internal customers regarding procurement processes, procedures, policy and systems, and manage procurement processes for relevant contracts. Outcomes support improved governance, processes and strategic decision making. The role involves working as part of PS Procure, selling procurement services to other public sector bodies (e.g. London Borough of Redbridge) and may require flexible work across multiple sites.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise or lead on low-value, low-complexity procurement exercises (e.g. invitation to quote and further competitions under existing frameworks).
- Provide advice/support to Council staff in conducting procurement processes for contracts valued below FTS thresholds for goods, services and works.
- Review and advise on procurement documentation (e.g. specifications, instructions to bidders).
- Conduct spend analysis and gap analysis to improve procurement efficiency and deliver better value for money.
- Advise on the evaluation of bids and contract award procedures.
- Provide advice/support in using the Council's e-procurement and e-tendering systems.
- Provide formal training to staff across the Council regarding procurement systems, processes/skills/techniques, and procurement rules/regulations.
- Manage risk within the area of responsibility and ensure stakeholders comply with relevant regulations and procedures.
- Ensure the Council's contract register is up-to-date and accurate.
- Manage Strategic Commissioning Board functionality, ensuring meetings run smoothly and efficiently.
- Provide regular updates on intranet/sharepoint access, ensuring data is up to date and accurate.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Level 3 CIPS (Desirable).
- Good communication, organizational and influencing skills; ability to work as part of a cross-functional team.
- Experience in a cross-functional team environment.
- Must have UK work authorisation that does not require sponsorship; we are a Home Office-licensed sponsor but cannot provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this role.
- Proactive in providing procurement advice and supporting staff across the Council and partner organisations.
Further Information
To support recruitment, the London Borough of Waltham Forest advertises vacancies via official channels. We do not ask for payment or request sensitive information as part of our recruitment process. If contacted by a third party, verify the vacancy on our official careers website before sharing information. We are committed to equality of opportunity and a diverse workforce. We encourage flexible working arrangements where possible.
Procurement Officer employer: London Borough of Waltham Forest
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within its award-winning Procurement Division. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful public service initiatives that enhance community welfare. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the Council fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in procurement.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Waltham Forest Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer
✨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 London Borough of Waltham Forest.
✨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
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 London Borough of Waltham Forest:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to London Borough of Waltham Forest. 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 London Borough of Waltham Forest.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Waltham Forest
✨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 London Borough of Waltham Forest!
✨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 London Borough of Waltham Forest. 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 London Borough of Waltham Forest's culture.
