At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts, monitor compliance, and support contract managers in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's supportive Procurement team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, funded qualifications, and generous leave.
- Other info: Flexible culture with excellent training and development support.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in contract management with real impact and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a proactive attitude; no specific background required.
The predicted salary is between 26060 - 26060 £ per year.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is looking for a Contracts Officer to join our Procurement team and support the TMT Procurement Partnership, working across Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Councils. In this varied role, you'll help manage contract registers, monitor contract compliance, support contract managers, analyse performance information and contribute to training and guidance across the partnership.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong organisational and communication skills who enjoys working with a wide range of stakeholders. Whether your background is in administration, customer service, contract administration or another office‑based role, we'll support you to develop your expertise and gain professional qualifications in contract and project management.
What we're looking for:
- Excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Confidence working with a variety of stakeholders
- A proactive, positive and self‑motivated approach
- willingness to study towards professional qualifications
What we offer:
- Career graded progression opportunities
- Funded professional qualifications
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Supportive and flexible team culture
- Free parking and generous leave provisions
Financial: An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure. A starting salary of £26,060 increasing to £26,476 after one year’s service and increasing further to £28,804 upon completion of two years in post (subject to managerial approval).
Holiday Entitlement: 22 days annual leave (increasing to 27 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
Pensions: Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7%).
Hybrid: The Council operates a hybrid working model with minimum 2 days working in the office.
Access to HAPI, an all‑in‑one benefits hub, giving you easy access to a wide range of employee perks, wellbeing support, discounts, and everyday savings.
Personal Development: Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
Employee Assistance Programme: The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
If you're looking for a role where you can learn, develop and make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you. If you would like to have a chat about the role please speak to the hiring manager Dan Hutchins on 01829 554 425 or at Dan.Hutchins@TunbridgeWells.gov.uk.
We will be reviewing applications periodically throughout the advertising period. If we find the right candidate, we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Safeguarding: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Contracts Officer in Royal Tunbridge Wells employer: TunbridgeWells
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values transparency and community engagement. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth within local government, alongside a commitment to work-life balance and public service. Joining our team means being part of a dedicated group that plays a vital role in shaping local democracy and making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Officer in Royal Tunbridge Wells
✨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 TunbridgeWells.
✨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 Contracts Officer in Royal Tunbridge Wells
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 TunbridgeWells:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to TunbridgeWells. 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 TunbridgeWells.
How to prepare for a job interview at TunbridgeWells
✨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 TunbridgeWells!
✨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 TunbridgeWells. 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 TunbridgeWells's culture.
