At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement and electoral services, ensuring value for money and lawful practices.
- Company: West Suffolk Council, a top-rated council for climate action.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and unique employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on continuous learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team making a real impact in local governance.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification or experience in procurement and local government policies.
The predicted salary is between 33143 - 38220 £ per year.
West Suffolk Council is seeking to recruit a Procurement and Elections Advisor who will join our Governance and Procurement Service. In this role, you will support the delivery of the Procurement function, providing advice to services to ensure that procurement is lawful whilst delivering value for money. Additionally, you will contribute to the delivery of electoral services, administering electoral registration, elections and referenda as well as electoral reviews in support of the Business Partner (Elections).
What you will need:
- Working towards a relevant professional qualification (e.g. CIPS - Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or equivalent level of demonstrable experience.
- Good working knowledge of Procurement policy and deployment in Local Government or similar.
- Ability to provide accurate and timely advice regarding procurement policy and procedures to managers and officers.
- Experience in delivering procurement specific related training and presentations to all levels of staff across the organisation.
- Experience in gathering data from systems and services to identify future procurement plans and activities.
Why work for us?
- Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years (pro rata if part time) plus bank holidays.
- Generous pension scheme – contribute between 5.5% and 6.8% (depending on your salary) and the council will contribute 16.4%.
- Life assurance – a payment of three times your annual salary.
- Flexible working options to enable work/life balance.
- Agile working - ability to work in the office and from home.
- Access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on various products and services.
- Salary sacrifice benefits including Cycle to Work scheme and SmartTech.
- Rail and bus staff discounts.
- A range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme.
- Discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres.
- A culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning.
- Modern office accommodation.
For more information, please read the Job Description and Person Specification. For an informal discussion and further information, please contact Martin Golledge, by either calling 01284 757105 or emailing martin.golledge@westsuffolk.gov.uk.
Please note, we are unable to accept CVs; please follow the online application process to apply.
Closing date: 11.55 pm, 24 May 2026.
Interview date: 4 June 2026.
West Suffolk Council has been rated in the top 10 district councils for climate action and is committed to working towards net zero emissions by 2039.
Procurement Advisor in Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Advisor in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research West Suffolk Council and understand their values, especially their commitment to climate action. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to procurement and elections. Think about how your experience aligns with the role and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the work culture and expectations at West Suffolk Council. They might even share tips that could give you an edge in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the only way to ensure your application is considered. Plus, it shows that you're following their instructions, which is a great first step in demonstrating your attention to detail.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Advisor in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with info on what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Experience: When filling out the application, highlight your relevant experience in procurement and any training you've delivered. We want to see how your background aligns with what we need, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we can’t accept CVs, so make sure you apply through our website. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement policies, especially in local government. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations so you can confidently discuss how they apply to the role.
✨Showcase Your Training Skills
Since the role involves delivering training, think of examples where you've successfully trained others. Be ready to share how you made complex procurement concepts easy to understand for different audiences.
✨Data is Key
Prepare to talk about your experience with data gathering and analysis. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate how you've used data to inform procurement plans or improve processes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the council's future procurement strategies or how they plan to tackle the climate emergency through procurement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.