At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement processes and ensure value for money for the council.
- Company: Join an award-winning council with a reputation for excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great career advancement opportunities and full support for CIPS qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Public sector procurement experience or transferable skills welcome.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The procurement team are responsible for ensuring that all procurement and contract management activities (commercial arrangements) provide the very best value for money for the council. We provide professional advice, guidance and insight regarding markets, suppliers, and contractual options to help support service delivery and improvement. We are a well-respected and award-winning service with a reputation for excellence. Joining us, you will be inspired by new opportunities and the exposure and experience to develop your skills professionally. You will be supported to work in a commercially minded fashion, building excellent working relationships with colleagues across the organisation, all united in their motivation to deliver the best outcomes for our council.
Role summary
You will ensure that all procurement and contract management activities provide the very best value for money for the council. Providing professional advice, guidance and insight regarding markets, suppliers, and contractual options to help support service delivery and improvement. You will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring the procurement and contract management processes are efficient and aligned with North Yorkshire Council’s objectives. You will ensure compliance with the overall Category Sourcing Strategy, the Council’s Procurement and Contract Management Strategy, Procurement and Contract Procedure Rules, Financial Regulations, and UK Legislation on public procurement and contract management.
What we are looking for
- We welcome applications from candidates with public sector procurement experience, commercial backgrounds, or transferable skills gained in roles such as project management, contract administration, or other analytical and stakeholder focused professions.
- This role may be for you if you have:
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- An analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and support decision-making.
- A proactive approach and willingness to learn procurement frameworks and regulations.
- Experience working in a structured, compliance-focused environment.
- Proactive, can-do attitude.
Duties and responsibilities
- Support Senior Commercial Managers and Senior Commercial Officers in execution of category management and ongoing procurement activity and contract mobilisation.
- Manage the procurement process from market engagement to contract administration.
- Provide contract management support, including supporting supplier negotiations and assisting service areas with supplier performance.
- Ensure timely and quality delivery of medium to high value procurement activities, whilst adhering to council standards and governance frameworks.
- Maintain accurate information on the progress of procurement and contract management activities.
- Apply commercial acumen to projects and challenge others where appropriate to drive value for money.
- Identify, manage and accelerate risks.
- Undertake price and process benchmarking and reporting.
Qualifications
Qualified to CIPS Level 4 or be willing to complete this. The Council is committed to supporting staff with training and development and will fully fund CIPS qualifications via an apprenticeship.
What we Offer
We are a strong performing authority, with supportive political leadership and talented teams providing the platform to have a fulfilling, challenging and successful career in a truly stunning place. In addition to your salary, we offer a range of great benefits to help you financially and make life a bit easier:
- A local government pension scheme with 18.1% employer contribution
- Salary sacrifice schemes
- Modern flexible working practices
- Learning and development packages
- Career advancement opportunities
- Employee discount benefits including shopping and gym discounts
- Green car and cycle schemes
- Travel loans
- Health Assured – confidential help and support for your wellbeing
Contact and Apply
For more information, or an informal chat about the role, please contact Katie.Longstaff@northyorks.gov.uk or Vicky.Murray@northyorks.gov.uk.
Procurement and Contract Officer employer: North Yorkshire Council
Contact Detail:
North Yorkshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Contract Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work at North Yorkshire Council. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just land you a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of procurement frameworks and regulations. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also ready to tackle real-world challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. We love candidates who can back up their claims with solid examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our award-winning team.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement and Contract Officer
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 Procurement and Contract Officer. We want to see how you can bring value to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully navigated complex conversations or negotiations in the past.
Highlight Your Analytical Mindset: We’re looking for someone with a knack for interpreting data and making informed decisions. Include specific instances where your analytical skills have led to successful outcomes, especially in procurement or contract management.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Yorkshire Council
✨Know Your Procurement Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the key procurement frameworks and regulations relevant to the public sector. This will not only show your commitment to the role but also help you answer questions confidently about compliance and best practices.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical mindset. Be ready to discuss how you've interpreted data in past roles to support decision-making, especially in procurement or contract management contexts.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Think of specific instances where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built relationships to drive value for money in previous projects.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions related to procurement challenges. Practice articulating your thought process on how you would manage risks, negotiate with suppliers, or implement cost-saving strategies effectively.