Interim Senior Procurement & Contracts Officer
Job Ref: Bournemouth 5259174
Pay Rate: £23.69 per hour PAYE
Hours per week: 37 Monday – Friday, 9am to 5.15pm
Role Length: This opening assignment is for 3 months
City: Bournemouth, Dorset
Candidates must be able to travel, using public or other forms of transport where they are viable, or by holding a valid UK driving licence with access to own or pool car.
Hybrid working: 1 day in the office
The Senior Procurement and Contract Management Officer will be responsible for leading high-value and complex procurement exercises, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring the effective delivery of goods, services, and works that align with the council’s strategic objectives. You will also advise and support colleagues across the organisation in all aspects of procurement and contract management, promoting best practices and achieving continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead on end-to-end procurement processes for high-value and complex contracts in compliance with UK public procurement law, Council regulations, and best practice.
* Prepare and manage the tender process, including drafting tender documentation, evaluating bids, and awarding contracts.
* Develop and implement procurement strategies for a variety of categories, including services, supplies, and works, ensuring alignment with the council's objectives and budgetary requirements.
* Provide accurate, clear, consistent and supportive advice to internal stakeholders regarding more complex procurement and contract management sectors/categories, so that they are provided with cost benefit analysis of compliant options concerning procurement type, remedial action, or the structuring of contracts and specifications.
* Monitor supplier performance and delivery on major contracts, ensuring key performance indicators (KPIs) and service levels are met by suppliers.
* Negotiate contract terms and conditions, ensuring clarity, value for money, and risk mitigation – working closely with the Legal and Finance teams as required to ensure effective contract management and resolution of any contract disputes.
* Ensure all procurement and contract management activities adhere to public procurement rules, council policies, and governance procedures.
* Maintain accurate records of all procurement and contract management activities, to inform clear audit trails on decisions and reporting as required.
* Deliver value for money through effective procurement strategies, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
* Monitor and report on procurement and contract performance, providing analysis and recommendations to the senior leadership team.
Qualifications:
1. Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
2. Professional qualification such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) or equivalent (Desirable).
3. Management qualification (or equivalent experience).
Skills & Experience:
1. Minimum of 12 months recent experience in a similar role, or context and ideally within a public sector organisation.
2. In-depth knowledge of public sector procurement frameworks and regulations.
3. Significant experience in leading complex procurement exercises within the public sector, particularly in compliance with Public Contracts Regulations 2015, including development of specifications and KPIs and advising on form and design of bid evaluation models.
4. Proven experience in contract management and supplier performance oversight.
5. Experience working within a local authority or public sector environment would be desirable.
6. Knowledge of category management principles.
7. Experience in managing complex, high-value contracts in construction, social care, or IT.
8. Strong IT skills including Microsoft packages or equivalent (e.g. G Suite).
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