Procurement Officer - Local Authority

Location: Civic Centre, ST4 1RNStart Date: ASAPContract Duration: 3+ monthsWorking Hours: Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00, 37 hours per weekPay Rate: 350 per day (PAYE)About the Role: We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Procurement Officer to join our clients team within a Local Authority based in Stoke. This is an exciting opportunity to support procurement operations and payment processes, ensuring value for money, streamlined operations, and innovation within the Council's sourcing activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and support central buying functions to enhance procurement processes.
• Lead purchasing activities up to 50,000, including three-quote processes, mini-tenders, and call-offs from frameworks.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, delivery schedules, and exclusivity deals.
• Collaborate with Category Management teams to align purchasing strategies and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Support compliance with Council procurement policies, including "No Purchase Order, No Pay."
• Promote commercial best practices and drive technological advancements to optimise purchasing.
• Engage with local SMEs and suppliers to support sustainable procurement strategies.
• Reconcile purchase orders and invoices, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Proven experience managing procurement processes such as three-quote systems and mini-tenders.
• Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness.
• Knowledge of key local government supply markets and public contracting regulations.
• Proficiency in finance systems, e-sourcing tools, and Microsoft Office packages.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a customer-focused approach.
• Ability to analyse data, challenge existing practices, and recommend innovative solutions.
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

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