At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities to help make Essex safer together.
- Company: Join the Essex County Fire & Rescue Service, a supportive public sector team.
- Benefits: Career development with funded CIPS training and hands-on experience.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth in a dynamic public sector environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, and eager to learn about procurement.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Procurement Assistant – Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
The Role
Join Essex County Fire & Rescue Service and play a key role in supporting procurement that helps in making Essex safer together.
This is an excellent opportunity to build a career in public sector procurement within a supportive and professional team.
Our Procurement Team work in a category management structure and this role will provide vital support to the 3 Category Managers and Head of Procurement.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking to develop a long-term career in procurement, with support given for their procurement exams.
We are looking for someone who is organised, commercially aware and keen to develop a career in procurement.
The candidate will have an appetite to learn, we will support your development through funded Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) training, structured learning in public sector procurement, and hands-on experience across a wide range of procurement activities.
- What You Will Be Working On
- Lead low value procurements across a range of categories.
- Provide administrative support to the Category Managers and Head of Procurement.
- Support the delivery of procurement activity.
- Maintain and update procurement systems and databases.
- Act as the first point of contact for the procurement mailbox, triaging and responding to queries.
- Support compliance by publishing transparency notices under the Procurement Act 2023.
What Are We Looking For?
- A willingness to learn and develop within procurement, and undertake qualifications.
- Strong organisational, administration and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and work under pressure.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Demonstrates a proactive approach to work, using initiative to manage tasks, resolve routine issues, and identify opportunities for improvement, while recognising when to elevate.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
- Confident and strong written and verbal communication skills, in a professional manner.
- Natural curiosity; interested to understand how things happen and always look for ways to challenge whether there is a better way.
- Appetite to learn new systems and take on varied challenges.
- Willingness to study towards CIPS.
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Procurement Assistant – Essex County Fire and Rescue Service employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
South Wales Fire & Rescue Service is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of compassion, courage, respect, integrity, and excellence. As the Head of Organisational Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a high-performing, inclusive workforce while enjoying a supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With opportunities to collaborate with key stakeholders and influence organisational change, this role offers a meaningful chance to make a lasting impact within the community and the wider public service context in Wales.
Contact Details:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Assistant – Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
✨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 National Fire Chiefs Council Limited..
✨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 Assistant – Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
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 National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.. 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 National Fire Chiefs Council Limited..
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨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 National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.!
✨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 National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.. 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 National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.'s culture.
