Assistant Procurement Officer in Liverpool

The role of the Assistant Procurement Officer is to assist in the promotion and implementation of a Procurement Strategy that supports the College in the successful delivery of its Strategic Objectives, whilst also discharging its statutory responsibilities to Funding Bodies and other Government Agencies.

The role will be to primarily support The Procurement Officer in the delivery of the Procurement Plan whilst also assisting, as required with the day-to-day activity of the Procurement & Transactions Team. There will be a key focus on financial controls and ensuring that the Financial Regulations are adhered to across all aspects of delivery. It is expected that the successful candidate will either be qualified to CIPS level 3 or demonstrate that they are currently studying or have a willingness to study to obtain the required qualification.

The role holder will need to work closely with the rest of the Finance team in order to ensure consistency and best practice is developed and maintained across the function, proactively driving the ongoing improvement of business practices and performance across the team. They will work co-operatively and positively with all internal departments and external contacts, providing excellent service, support, and advice where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

• To assist in all aspects of tendering including drafting/issue of documents, evaluation and award.
• To issue invitations to quote and to evaluate responses.
• To develop Service Level Agreements with key suppliers.
• To negotiate with suppliers to achieve best possible sustainable outcome for the college.
• To establish and maintain strong and honest relationships with suppliers.
• To maintain links with staff in the faculties and other business support areas to enhance the service provided to all service users.
• To develop market knowledge for key supply areas.
• To attend contract review meetings with internal customers and suppliers.
• To maintain register of contracts/agreements.
• To create/amend standing data for customers/suppliers as required.
• Purchase order processing and editing.
• Goods Receipting.
• Reconciliation of credit card & rail statements.
• To investigate and respond to queries and issues raised.
• To operate College systems and update records as required e.g. Open Accounts, ProSolution etc.
• Production of and maintenance of work instructions for all key tasks undertaken.
• Provision of accurate and timely management information as required.
• To operate as part of a team and to provide cover for other team members, as necessary.
• To provide awareness training to colleagues and other Group employees as required.
• To be a gatekeeper for the AskFinance email inbox.

Generic duties:

• To contribute fully to the mission and values statement of the College Group ensuring its effective implementation in all aspects of College life.
• To take initiative-taking responsibility for Health & Safety to ensure that a safe working environment and safe working practices are always maintained.
• To comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
• To comply with Financial Regulations and external legislation such as the Modern Slavery Act.
• To support cross college activities as required particularly the key enrolment and invigilation periods.
• To demonstrate flexibility and openness to change.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Criteria:

• Achievement of 5 G.C.S.E's Grade A-C or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• High level of people skills and acts with integrity and sells with a high level of ethics.
• Ability to use own initiative and be self-motivated.
• Good computer literacy and general IT Skills.
• An ability to work effectively with people across a wide range of levels and responsibilities.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good team working skills.
• Experience of working with customers or volunteering or working in a team.

Desirable Criteria:

• CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations or Equivalent.

Benefits

As a valued member of our College community, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, dedicated wellbeing support, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth and development.

• Generous holiday allowance: Up to 30 days annual holiday allowance, plus 1 wellbeing day.
• Pension Scheme: You'll be part of the Aviva pension scheme, with contributions of up to 10%.
• Employee Benefits Platform: Access to discounts at major supermarkets, fashion and lifestyle retailers, tech stores, travel providers, and more.
• Health and Wellbeing: Access to the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – a confidential support service available 24/7.
• Medicash Scheme: Access to Medicash health plans – supporting you and your family with enhanced access to treatment.
• Life Assurance: Benefit of up to three times your annual salary payable in the event of death in service.
• Travel: Interest-free loans to help you buy annual travel passes.
• Flexible Working: Flexible working options depending on business need.
• Professional Development: A mix of formal and informal professional development opportunities.
• College Benefits: Access to sports and fitness facilities, discounted hair and beauty treatments, and staff discount at our Academy Restaurant.