At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement and electoral services, ensuring value for money and lawful practices.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local government team focused on innovation and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in local governance while developing your skills in procurement and elections.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a relevant qualification or have equivalent experience in procurement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the role
Ahead of the exciting opportunities that a new era of local government will bring, we are 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).
Responsibilities
- Support the delivery of the Procurement function, ensuring procurement is lawful and delivers value for money.
- Provide accurate and timely advice regarding procurement policy and procedures to managers and officers.
- Deliver procurement-related training and presentations to all levels of staff across the organisation.
- Gather data from systems and services to identify future procurement plans and activities.
- Administer electoral registration, elections and referenda, and conduct electoral reviews in support of the Business Partner (Elections).
Qualifications
- Working towards a relevant professional qualification (e.g., CIPS – Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or an 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 delivering procurement-specific training and presentations to all levels of staff.
- Experience in gathering data from systems and services to identify future procurement plans and activities.
Benefits
- Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years (pro rata if part time) plus bank holidays (with an option to buy up to 10 extra days each year subject to approval).
- Generous pension scheme – council contributes 16.4% (your contribution between 5.5% and 6.8%).
- Life assurance – a payment of three times your annual salary.
- Flexible working options, including the ability to work in the office and from home.
- Access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services.
- Salary sacrifice benefits including Cycle to Work scheme, Tusker Leased Car Scheme and SmartTech (buy the latest tech products interest free and repay through your monthly salary).
- Rail and bus staff discounts.
- Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme.
- Discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres.
- Culture of learning encouraging continuous learning.
- Modern office accommodation.
Closing date & Contact
Closing date: Sunday 28 June 2026. For an informal discussion and further information please contact Martin Golledge, Business Partner (Elections) at 01284 757105 or email Martin.Golledge@westsuffolk.gov.uk. Please note, we are unable to accept CVs; please follow the online application process to apply. Job description and person specification are available on our website.
Procurement Advisor in Bury St Edmunds employer: West Suffolk Council
As a Procurement Advisor within our Governance and Procurement Service, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values continuous learning and professional development. With generous benefits including a competitive pension scheme, flexible working options, and access to a unique employee benefits package, we prioritise your well-being and work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact in local government while enjoying a modern office environment and opportunities for growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Advisor in Bury St Edmunds
✨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 West Suffolk Council.
✨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 Procurement Advisor in Bury St Edmunds
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 West Suffolk Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to West Suffolk Council. 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 West Suffolk Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Suffolk Council
✨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 West Suffolk Council!
✨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 West Suffolk Council. 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 West Suffolk Council's culture.
