Interim Senior Procurement Officer – Highways and Transport

7 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To lead the delivery of complex, high-value procurement activities within the Highways and Transport service, ensuring compliant, efficient, and value-driven procurement processes. The role will focus on the procurement of school transport and public transport contracts, providing expert procurement advice to stakeholders while ensuring compliance with public sector legislation and supporting the delivery of strategic procurement objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes for school transport and public transport contracts.
  
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with the Procurement Act 2023, UK public procurement regulations, and local authority standing orders.
  
• Prepare tender documentation, manage supplier engagement, and oversee evaluation and contract award processes.
  
• Provide expert procurement advice to internal stakeholders on procurement strategy, contract compliance, and risk management.
  
• Support the development and implementation of procurement frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems.
  
• Maintain accurate procurement records to meet governance, audit, and compliance requirements.
  
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
  
• Manage multiple procurement projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery within agreed timescales.
  
• Support continuous improvement of procurement practices and processes across the Highways and Transport service.
  

Requirements

• Proven experience in public sector procurement, ideally within a Local Government environment.
  
• Previous experience procuring school transport and public transport contracts is essential.
  
• Strong knowledge of UK public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023.
  
• Working knowledge of NEC contract forms.
  
• Experience managing complex, high-value procurement projects from inception to contract award.
  
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under tight deadlines.
  
• Experience using e-tendering platforms and contract management systems is desirable.
  
• MCIPS qualification or equivalent is desirable.
  
• Ability to attend the Dorset Council office a minimum of two days per week.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Hybrid working – minimum of 2 days per week in the Dorset Council office (some flexibility for the right candidate).
  
• Hours per week: 37 hours per week.
  
• Bi-Weekly Payments