Purchasing Officer in Gateshead

Drive value, fairness, and innovation in public spending.

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.

Help us make every pound count for Gateshead. Are you a highly organised and proactive professional with a keen eye for detail and a passion for procurement? We are looking for a Purchasing Officer to join our team and play a key role in ensuring the efficient procurement of materials, goods, and services that support the delivery of essential operations and projects. In this varied and rewarding role, you will manage purchasing activities from sourcing suppliers and obtaining quotations through to raising purchase orders and processing payments. You will support tendering exercises, maintain supplier and contractor records, assist with stock control and inventory management, and work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver best value, compliance, and excellent customer service.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administrative and procurement experience who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to driving efficiency and continuous improvement.

What you’ll get to do:

• Procure materials for stores stock and work schemes by sourcing suppliers, obtaining quotations, and raising purchase requisitions.
• Generate purchase orders for subcontractor procurement activities.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of annual and biannual material tenders.
• Support the day-to-day management of the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), ensuring contractor accreditations, certifications, and insurance documentation remain valid and contractors are allocated to the correct lots.
• Assist in managing the Purchase-to-Payment (P2P) process using Agresso, Northgate/Agresso interfaces, and other relevant systems.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance, maintaining accurate vendor assessment records and effective procurement arrangements.
• Assist in preparing material delivery schedules for major works projects and stores stock requirements.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to maintain effective communication and support a customer-focused service environment.
• Ensure supplier payments for materials are processed accurately and efficiently through Agresso.
• Provide ad hoc clerical and administrative support to ensure the effective delivery of procurement services.
• Administer procurements relating to works, goods, and services using NEPO Proactis, Open Agresso, Northgate, and other relevant systems.
• Work closely with Stores teams to support stock rationalisation, stock control, and inventory management activities.
• Chair award evaluation meetings, collate tender assessment data, manage associated tendering processes, and provide feedback to contractors.
• Undertake additional duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and requirements of the post.

What you’ll bring:

• Knowledge of procurement procedures, legislation, and invoice processing.
• Knowledge and experience of Northgate/OPEN and Agresso financial systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other office-based IT systems.
• Knowledge of vendor assessment and supplier appraisal systems.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrates an understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion within the workplace.
• Holds five GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade 4/C or above, including English and Mathematics.
• Holds an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration (or equivalent) or can demonstrate relevant experience.
• Holds a CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate or is currently working towards the qualification.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you:

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.