Procurement Advisor

Your new organisationSouthend-on-Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing essential services to the local community. With around 1,800 staff, we work alongside partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and improve the lives of Southend residents.

Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment. We support flexible working practices to promote a positive work-life balance. As a Unitary Authority we handle all local government functions, from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.Your new roleSouthend on Sea City Council is seeking a Procurement Advisor to join the Procurement team on a full time, permanent basis. This role is offered on a hybrid basis, combining remote working with occasional office visit. As a Procurement Advisor, you will support Council departments in procuring goods, services, and works in accordance with Public Contract Regulations 2015, Provider Selection Regime (January 24), Procurement Act (February 25) and Council policies.

You will partner with contract managers to ensure effective contract performance management by:

• Conducting regular review meetings
• Reviewing performance and service levels (KPI's and SLA's)
• Identifying innovation and implementing continuous improvements.

While the role is primarily remote, you will be expected to attend monthly team meetings in Southend. We maintain a supportive and inclusive work environment, with flexible working arrangements to help you balance your professional and personal life. Our Team Charter guides our collaborative and supportive work culture.What you'll need to succeedTo be successful in this role, you should have proven experience in procurement, preferably within the public sector, and a strong knowledge of public procurement legislation and best practices. Excellent negotiation and communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively, are essential. Proficiency in procurement software (such as ProContract or other e-tendering systems) and Microsoft Office Suite is required. A CIPS qualification or equivalent experience is highly desirable. Membership in the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or progress towards it, or relevant professional experience, is necessary.What you'll get in returnWhen you join the Council, you can enjoy a range of benefits, including 25 days of annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training and development opportunities. We are committed to supporting you in this varied and challenging role with appropriate training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Please note that applications for this vacancy may close before the advertised date, so you are advised to apply as soon as possible. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age, or religion or belief.

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