Job Title: Procurement Officer Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £37,280 Working Hours: 35 hours per week Working Pattern: Monday – Friday (Hybrid) Location: Speke, Liverpool If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description. The difference you will make as a Procurement Officer You will ensure compliant supplier contracts are in place for all business areas, leading associated sourcing activities for low value spend contracts/projects, ensuring efficient and effective contracts are established which deliver best value, drive performance and achieve the required quality to support the aims and objectives of the business. About you We are looking for someone with an understanding of commercial risk management and have experience of providing contract administration. Must have Experience of effective liaison with suppliers and ability to communicate well with stakeholders at all levels within the business Why Riverside? We’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives. We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us. Working with us, you’ll enjoy: Competitive pay & generous pension 28 days holidays plus bank holidays Flexible working options available Investment in your learning, personal development and technology A wide range of benefits Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside: We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues. Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview. This role also falls under our Ethnic Diversity guaranteed interview scheme. If you are Ethnically Diverse and demonstrate you meet the minimum criteria for the role you will be guaranteed an interview. Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Role Profile Escalate instances of non-compliance immediately and via the agreed route to ensure arrangements can be made for business areas to continue to access the required supply arrangements. Responsible for developing a procurement strategy for each project and develop and maintain a forward work plan. Support the category teams by leading end to end low value tender processes, and any subsequent negotiation, to ensure optimum contractual arrangements are established with suppliers in accordance with internal procurement policy and relevant UK legislation. Responsible for the preparation of all necessary sourcing and contract documents to provide a robust audit trail. Ensure consideration relating to Health & Safety, equality and diversity and safeguarding are factored into the tender documents. Within scope of procurement responsibility, ensure that specification requirements are fully considered and market informed, where possible establishing standard products and services for the Group. Drive value for money by identifying savings opportunities and efficiencies Ensure supplier performance management is embedded in appropriate contracts to promote a continuous improvement culture and manage regular contract review meetings with suppliers in accordance with agreed Key Performance Indicators/Service Level Agreements. Ensure that social value is considered in all relevant procurement activities Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role and/or grade. Manage internal and external stakeholders effectively, building constructive working relationships to effectively deliver the Group’s procurement objectives. Contribute to the continuous improvement of Group Procurement processes and procedures. Ensure that all information security requirements, including data protection, are met in accordance with the Group’s policy, procedures and statutory requirements. Ensure that health and safety requirements are met in accordance with the Group’s policy, procedures and statutory requirements. Person specification Knowledge, Skills and Experience Essential Understanding of commercial risk management. Experience of providing contract administration. Experience of effective liaison with suppliers and ability to communicate well with stakeholders at all levels within the business Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel. Results focused with the ability to take ownership of tasks. Ability to work using own initiative as well as being an excellent team player who can work flexibly to meet business requirements. Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities Customer focused with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work at all levels within the business. Knowledge of the procurement lifecycle. Understanding of public sector procurement. Desirable Business administration qualification. Understanding of public sector procurement (preferably in a Housing setting) Working towards CIPS qualification Experience of using e-procurement systems and contracts databases