Jobs

Procurement Officer

Permanent, Full Time

£30,071 to £35,377 Per Annum

Location: Chelmsford

Closing Date: Thursday 30th July 2026 at 11.59pm.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Supporting Statement

Please provide a supporting statement explaining why you believe you match the essential criteria listed below, describing the experience or transferable skills you possess. All applications without a supporting statement / information will be declined.

Interview Process

We will be using a two stage interview process when recruiting for this position, with the first stage being a one way video interview. The second stage will be an assessment centre, which will take place on the 20th August 2026 at County Hall Chelmsford.

This role will be filled on a hybrid basis. This means you can work remotely part of the working week with an expectation to attend the office at least 1 day per week. Any journeys to the office would be at your own expense. More specific details about this can be discussed at the interview stage should you be invited to interview.

The Procurement Officer will play a key role in supporting the Procurement function across a broad range of activities, within the procurement team. The role will contribute to the effective delivery of projects across a wide variety of procurement activity.

Key responsibilities include managing and responding to supplier and contractor enquiries, supporting market engagement and pre‑market activities, and providing contract administration across projects. The role will also assist with lower‑value sourcing, tendering, and contract management tasks, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and framework governance.

The Procurement Officer will help produce research and analysis to inform category strategies, including supply chain insights, cost analysis, and opportunities for improved supplier or framework performance. The individual will actively identify ways to streamline processes, reduce waste, and introduce technologies or automation where possible, while remaining compliant with existing contractual and framework constraints.

Success in the role will rely on strong analytical skills and the ability to explore alternative solutions that meet stakeholder needs across construction, development, and housing delivery projects. This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to build specialist expertise in public‑sector procurement while supporting meaningful development programmes across Essex.

Accountabilities

• Manage responses to supplier queries, co-ordinating the support to market engagement events and providing contract administration.
• Lead on the delivery and development of contract and supplier amendment and update processes including, contract novations, price uplifts and on boarding new suppliers to ECC, liaising with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate.
• Manage contracts to ensure that performance standards are achieved and any contractual, commercial or market risks are identified and appropriate mitigations put in place.
• Deal effectively with supplier correspondence, ensuring that messaging is conducted in a fair, transparent and auditable manner.
• Lead the delivery of low risk sourcing processes, ensuring compliance with the Authority's Procurement Policy and Procedures.
• Lead the development, planning, and delivery of improvement projects, ensuring effective stakeholder management and compliance with existing contractual requirements.
• Adopt a continuous improvement approach to systems and processes to support the development of best practice for wider department benefit.
• Plan and implement a risk-based programme of contract compliance audits in conjunction with specialist areas of the organisation such as Internal Audit, Corporate Health and Safety, Corporate Risk, and Information Governance.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrates a positive and proactive approach, with a strong work ethic and a "can‑do" attitude.
• Problem‑solving mindset, with the ability to explore alternative solutions that meet internal customer needs.
• Detail‑focused, with a strong commitment to accuracy, compliance, and auditability.
• Strong relationship-building skills, able to work collaboratively with colleagues across capital delivery, housing development, and project management teams.

Desirable Criteria

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with solid working knowledge of PowerPoint and Word.
• Studying for, or willing to study for, CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) accreditation.
• Experience of running low‑value tenders, with a working knowledge of public sector procurement law.
• Experience in managing lower‑value contracts, monitoring performance, and mitigating risks.

Company: Essex County Council

Salary: £30071.00 - £35377.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension

Location: Colchester, Essex

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Procurement

Job Role: Officer