Procurement Officer

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Procurement Officer to work for Northamptonshire Police Fire and Rescue at their offices in Wellingborough.

This role is a temporary role until March 2024 working Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, however, there is some flexibility so could accommodate 8am to 4pm.

PLEASE NOTE DUE TO THE POLICE VETTING CRITERIA THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST HAVE BEEN RESIDING WITHIN THE UK CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS.

The purpose of this role is to develop and manage frameworks. The work this team does makes a difference by achieving efficiencies and driving best value. The best part about working in the team is the variety of activity and work

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Assess requirements of external framework users, and internal customer departments, and provide professional support, procurement advice and guidance in accordance with best practice, force/fire policy, procurement legislation and value for money, in order to protect from financial and reputational risk.
- Lead and effectively manage the completion of multiple procurement projects and related work, supporting client requirements and advising senior officers and project boards on realistic timeline, risks and issues.
- Draft and develop tender specifications and evaluation criteria, analyse and award a range of goods and services tenders and contracts
- Provide contract management guidance and manage contract reviews to ensure continued compliance, continuous improvement, social value and value for money throughout the life of the contract
- Identify and resolve complex problems independently, referring major issues to senior colleagues when necessary
- Deliver procurement savings and income generation plans for specific categories in collaboration with the Commercial Manager(s) ensuring quantifiable cashable efficiencies are identified, delivered and reported
- Prepare accurate and appropriately drafted reports appropriate for the audience, including to Chief Officers and the Commissioner's executive team.
- Contribute to commercial category strategies for a portfolio of spend to achieve the strategic aims and objectives of the forces served
- Ensure all Find a Tender (previously OJEU) level and below threshold tenders are advertised electronically in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations and Contracts Finder systems
- Ensure that the respective Authority Contracts register are maintained and an accurate record of all contracts valued over £10k is available.
- Liaise and work co-operatively with the Organisations to provide the required documentation, discuss ongoing procurements/ contracts and to escalate any issues to the Commercial Engagement Partner.
- Providing direct support to colleagues within the Organisations on establishing Frameworks, Dynamic Purchasing Systems and subsequently call-off processes.
- Work with the Organisations and any partner agencies/ other Forces or Fire Services as required and attend meetings on behalf of the Commercial Manager.
- Mentor and provide advice to the procurement assistants and administrative staff within the department in order to aid growing internal talent and career progressions.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- Good working knowledge of commercial activities in a public sector environment
- Demonstrable experience in drafting, developing specifications, analysing and awarding a variety of goods and services tenders and contracts, of significant complexity and value.
- Demonstrable experience of contract management
- Ability to provide professional advice and guidance on technical contract matters to internal and external stakeholders
- Evidence of the ability to negotiate at senior levels both internally and externally.
- Experience in using and electronic tender system (such as InTend, Proactis, EU Supply and Contracts Finder portals or equivalent).
- Experience in advertising Find a Tender (previously OJEU) and below threshold tenders electronically in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations, for example via Contracts Finder systems.
- Experience in the delivery and management of collaborative procurements arrangement across multiple organisations.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

To speak to a recruitment expert please contact Lynette crisp