Contract Support Officer

Contract Support Officer

Reigate Full-Time 27000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist with contract management and support IT services in a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join Surrey County Council, committed to workforce development and community impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, lifestyle discounts, and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Why this job: Grow your skills in a collaborative environment while making a difference in local government.
  • Qualifications: Basic understanding of contract principles and a willingness to learn are essential.
  • Other info: This role is only open to current Surrey County Council employees.

The predicted salary is between 27000 - 36000 £ per year.

Location: 11 Woodhatch Road, Cockshot Hill, Reigate

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. The starting salary for this role is £32,512 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Contract Support Officer to join our team. This role is ideal for individuals with some contract management experience who are looking to further develop their skills and grow within a supportive and dynamic environment.

Rewards and Benefits

  • 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
  • Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
  • An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
  • Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
  • Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
  • A generous local government salary related pension
  • Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
  • 2 paid volunteering days per year
  • Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Team

The Application Assurance team is part of the IT & Digital service, and the team supports the Council's contractual software and renewal purchases for the Enterprise Application Portfolio team (EAP) to ensure value for money and compliant contracts.

About the Role

As a Contract Support Officer, your responsibilities will include assisting with Freedom of Information (FOI) requests related to IT and Digital services. You will be responsible for preparing requisition requests and producing ad hoc contractual documentation. A key part of your role will involve supporting the maintenance and updating of contract data within MySurrey (Unit4), Proactis, and our SharePoint repository, with a particular focus on contract management. You will also contribute to contract-related activities, ensuring adherence to procurement policies and guidelines. In addition, you will engage with stakeholders to foster effective communication and collaboration.

Shortlisting Criteria

  • Willingness to learn Business Processes: An eagerness to learn about related business processes in areas like procurement and finance. Basic understanding of how these processes interface with contract management is a plus but not essential.
  • Collaboration Skills: Ability to work effectively with other departments to ensure seamless contract management processes. This includes strong interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues from different areas of the organisation, and a proactive approach to building and maintaining positive working relationships.
  • Understanding of Contract Principles: Basic knowledge or willingness to learn about contract management principles and best practices – for example, understanding terms and conditions, service level agreements (SLAs), Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and governance of contracts.
  • Analytical Skills: Basic analytical and data skills, with an interest in using tools like Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting. You should be willing to learn how to read and interpret data and use this insight to drive decision-making or improvements.
  • Problem-Solving Abilities: An interest in developing strong troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities. Willingness to learn how to methodically investigate contract-related issues or system problems, identify root causes, and contribute to effective solutions. Attention to detail and a methodical approach to gathering and recording information are important in this role.

As part of the application process you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following application questions:

  • Looking at our advert, and considering the Council's commitment to ensuring that "no one is left behind", please tell us what it is about the role that has motivated you to apply?
  • Please describe a time when you had to learn a new business process or system (e.g. procurement, finance, or contract management). What steps did you take to understand it, and how did you apply your learning in practice?
  • Tell us about a situation where you worked collaboratively with colleagues from different departments. How did you ensure effective communication and maintain positive working relationships?
  • Describe your experience with analysing data or using tools like Microsoft Excel. How have you used data to support decision-making or solve a problem? If you have limited experience, how would you approach learning these skills?

Contact us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Atish Swali via email or Teams.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 13/07/2025 with interviews to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas. Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Our Values

Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where: The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application. The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form. Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

Contract Support Officer employer: Surrey County Council

Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development and well-being of its workforce. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including up to 31 days of annual leave, and extensive learning opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in Reigate, this position offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful local government initiatives while enjoying a collaborative environment that values diversity and inclusion.
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Contact Detail:

Surrey County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Contract Support Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Contract Support Officer. Understanding the nuances of contract management, including terms and conditions, SLAs, and KPIs, will help you demonstrate your knowledge during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with current employees in similar roles to gain insights into their day-to-day tasks and challenges. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach and show your enthusiasm for the position.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your analytical skills, particularly with tools like Microsoft Excel. Being able to showcase your ability to analyse data and make informed decisions will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare examples of past experiences where you've collaborated with different departments. Highlighting your interpersonal skills and ability to maintain positive working relationships will resonate well with the hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Contract Support Officer

Contract Management Principles
Understanding of Procurement Processes
Interpersonal Skills
Effective Communication
Collaboration Skills
Analytical Skills
Data Analysis using Microsoft Excel
Problem-Solving Abilities
Attention to Detail
Methodical Approach
Stakeholder Engagement
Adaptability
Willingness to Learn

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Contract Support Officer position. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in contract management and your willingness to learn about business processes.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job criteria. Emphasise your collaboration skills, analytical abilities, and any relevant experience with data analysis tools like Microsoft Excel.

Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: When responding to the application questions, provide specific examples from your past experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and clearly demonstrate your skills and motivations.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Contract Support Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experiences align with the tasks mentioned, such as contract management and stakeholder engagement.

✨Show Your Willingness to Learn

Since the role requires a willingness to learn about business processes, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully adapted to new systems or processes in the past. Highlight your eagerness to develop your skills in contract management and data analysis.

✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills

Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've worked collaboratively with colleagues from different departments. Emphasise your communication skills and how you maintain positive working relationships, as this is crucial for effective contract management.

✨Be Ready with Data Examples

Since analytical skills are important for this role, think of examples where you've used data to support decision-making. If you have limited experience, explain how you would approach learning these skills, perhaps by mentioning tools like Microsoft Excel.

Contract Support Officer
Surrey County Council
S
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