At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manage procurement activities for the Council and improve service efficiency.
- Company: North Northamptonshire Council is dedicated to enhancing local life through innovative public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, a competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: We promote inclusivity and support the Armed Forces community.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team transforming procurement processes with real social impact.
- Qualifications: Some procurement experience and strong communication skills are essential; enthusiasm for learning is a must.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Procurement Officer role at North Northamptonshire Council.
North Northamptonshire Council are looking to recruit a Procurement Officer to join our procurement team, working in the People Services Category. The candidates appointed to the role will be an essential part of the team delivering procurement activity on behalf of the Council. The successful candidate will report to a Procurement Manager and will benefit from being a part of an experienced and knowledgeable team. The role will be based initially from Cedar Drive, Thrapston and then Haylock House, Kettering. If you wish to have an informal discussion please call Susan Trowers 07787273745.
Responsibilities
- The remit of the Procurement Team is to develop the Council-wide procurement policy and strategy and provide professional expertise and support to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the procurement of goods, works and services for North Northamptonshire Council and The Northamptonshire Childrens Trust.
- The Team provides expert advice and support service to all front-line departments in addition to letting and managing a range of corporate contracts on behalf of all departments.
- The Procurement remit is to transform the way the Council and the Trust procures goods and services and to develop innovative procurement strategies and e-procurement solutions that will enable more efficient processes, improved service specific contracts and a suite of common corporate contracts.
About You
- Good oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders including those in senior roles.
- Computer literate to intermediate level in Word, Excel, MS Project (planner) and PowerPoint with knowledge of procurement electronic systems such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning).
- Ability to liaise with stakeholders both internal and external, Procurement clients, customers and 3rd parties.
- Evidence of being able to provide professional advice, support and guidance.
- Enthusiasm for working in procurement and a willingness to learn about public sector procurement.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- A pension scheme with significant employer contributions, life cover and ill-health protection
- Lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
- Generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, where practicable for service needs to support a healthy work-life balance
About Us
Our Values and Behaviours define how we interact with customers, colleagues and deliver services: Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive, Trustworthy. We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. North Northamptonshire Council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in June 2024, supporting the Armed Forces community and working towards Gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Further information can be found at Jobs and careers | North Northamptonshire Council (northnorthants.gov.uk).
Apply
Procurement Officer in Thrapston employer: North Northamptonshire Council
North Northamptonshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant working environment with a competitive salary and generous leave entitlement. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their careers in public sector procurement.
Contact Details:
North Northamptonshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer in Thrapston
✨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 North Northamptonshire 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 Thrapston
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 North Northamptonshire Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to North Northamptonshire 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 North Northamptonshire Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Northamptonshire 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 North Northamptonshire 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 North Northamptonshire 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 North Northamptonshire Council's culture.
