At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts for Family Hubs and ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Company: Sandwell Council, a values-led organisation making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and strong focus on employee development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference to children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant qualification in procurement and experience in managing complex projects.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Sandwell Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Contract Officer to support the effective delivery of Family Hubs (Children’s Centres) and associated nursery provision. This role is key to ensuring strong contract management, high-quality service delivery and positive outcomes for children and families across the borough.
In This Role You Will
- Act as the lead contract and client relationship manager for the delivery of Family Hubs (Children’s Centres), under the direction of the Strategic Lead.
- Oversee outsourced nursery provision, including resolving property, lease and contractual matters.
- Lead on the procurement of service concession contracts for nursery provision, as required.
- Support market development and engagement activity, working with providers to build strong market intelligence.
- Monitor contract performance against key milestones and KPIs, ensuring services are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.
- Lead on quarterly contract reviews and escalate risks or issues appropriately.
Attributes That You Would Bring To The Role
- Degree level qualification or a recognised relevant qualification in procurement.
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
- Strong experience of managing complex projects across multiple organisations.
- A good understanding of legislation and policy relating to early years and Family Hubs, and the ability to apply this in practice.
- Training and experience in procurement, contract development and implementation.
- Excellent organisational and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Why Sandwell Council?
At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values-led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.
Procurement Contract Officer employer: Sandwell Council
Sandwell Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to values-led service delivery, we offer competitive remuneration, excellent benefits, and a collaborative work culture that empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in shaping positive outcomes for children and families while enjoying opportunities for continuous development in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Contract 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 Sandwell 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 Contract 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 Sandwell Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sandwell 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 Sandwell Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell 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 Sandwell 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 Sandwell 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 Sandwell Council's culture.
