Full-time Finance Officer

Position Start Date: 18/08/2026

Contract Type: Full-time

Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 24/07/2026 Midnight

Date of Interviews: TBC

TO APPLY FOR THIS VACANCY, PLEASE VISIT THE USP COLLEGE WEBSITE

Salary: £38,522 - £44,637 - depending on experience

Reference No: SR2230

Campus: Cross Campus

Hours: 37 hrs / week | 52 weeks / year

Contract: Permanent

Job Details

Overview

We are seeking a proactive and commercially minded Procurement Officer to join our Finance Team. Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will lead and deliver procurement activities across the College, ensuring all goods and services are purchased in a cost-effective, compliant and timely manner.

You will manage end-to-end procurement processes, including tenders and contracts, drive value for money initiatives, maintain the College's contracts database, and ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and College financial regulations. Working closely with stakeholders across all departments, you will provide expert procurement advice, support supplier performance, and identify opportunities for savings and service improvements.

About you

• Experience in procurement, contracts management or purchasing within a regulated environment.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement principles and compliance requirements.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results to deadlines.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping procurement strategy, delivering efficiencies, and supporting the College's strategic objectives.
• Relevant Level 2/3 or Equivalent
• Extensive understanding of procurement processes
• Proven experience in a similar role with demonstratable experience in successful cost savings, process improvements and managing tender processes.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement principles, practices and procedures including public sector procurement regulations.
• Experience within the public sector or education is highly desirable
• Relevant professional certifications (for example Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) qualification or working towards it)

Why choose us?

Our strategy is to create a Career Focused, Digital Learning environment, ensuring that the learner experience and our relationship within our community, local and regional employers, are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be selected as finalists for the AoC Beacon awards for effective use of digital Technology in FE. Providing a high achieving, focused learning environment allowing our students to achieve the grades they need for higher educations, or the skills and aptitude required to secure a suitable role in their chosen career. Our college is set in the leafy suburbs of Essex, with easy access to surrounding areas and amenities, we are based in a well-connected location both by road and rail.

What we offer

• A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn
• Annual Staff Awards
• CPD days - opportunities to grow and development through mentorship and coaching
• Free onsite parking
• Staff appreciation days
• Onsite Starbucks & Restaurant
• Electric Vehicle Scheme*
• Discounted gym membership
• Hybrid Working available
• Fully immersive teaching rooms allow simultaneous online teaching at multiple locations
• Free Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7, 365 days offering legal & financial advice, as well as general support & guidance

* subject to terms & conditions

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.