Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. 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.

Under the direction of a Senior Procurement Advisor/Head of Procurement, the purpose of the role is provide procurement support to each Council department so they can effectively purchase contracts for services, suppliers and works in accordance with Public Contract Regulations 2015, Provider Selection Regime (January 24),  Procurement Act (February 25) and Council policies with a focus on the delivery of Procurement activity under the Environment & Place Directorate.

This role will be responsible for:

1. Providing professional and proactive expert procurement advice, together with excellent customer service to internal and external customers
2. Delivering planned and unplanned procurements in accordance with the Council’s contract procedure rules (CPR), procurement team’s policies and procedures (including utilising procurement systems), Public Contract Regulations 2015, Provider Selection Regime (January 24),  Procurement Act (February 25) and any wider council policies
3. Delivering the annual procurement plan (agreed by cabinet) and organising contract management responsibilities
4. Implementing robust commercial and contractual terms in the best interests of the council
5. Delivering agreed savings targets and updating the agreed savings register
6. Working in partnership with contract managers to performance manage contracts over a certain threshold by ensuring:
1. regular review meetings actioned / recorded
2. performance and service levels are reviewed (KPI’s and SLA’s)
3. identify innovation and implement continuous improvement.
7. Manage requisition approval in Agresso for spends
8. Contribute to the provision of internal and external training to develop capacity within the Council and supply chain, including SMEs and the voluntary and community sector
9. Deputising for Senior Procurement Advisors in their absence.

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.

To be successful in this role, it is essential that you have extensive knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023, Provider Selection Regime & Public Contract Regulations 2015. It is essential that you have good understanding of public sector / local government procurement, wider regional / national public procurement and commercial world.

To be considered for this role you must be:

• Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or working towards or appropriate professional institute or relevant experience
• Project and Programme Management (Prince 2 methodology desirable)

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

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.