Senior Procurement Officer Highways

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• Interim Senior Procurement Officer required to lead urgent and complex procurements within Highways and Transport for Dorset Council.

• The role focuses on delivering high\-value contracts including school transport, public transport, and highway operational services.

• The postholder will provide expert procurement advice within a local government “Place” context, ensuring compliance, value for money, and timely delivery.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Lead and manage end\-to\-end procurement processes for highways and transport contracts.

• Deliver strategic procurements including school transport, public transport, highway frameworks, and operational service contracts.

• Ensure full compliance with UK public procurement regulations, the Procurement Act 2023, and local authority standing orders.

• Prepare tender documentation and manage supplier engagement, evaluation, and contract award processes.

• Advise internal stakeholders on procurement strategy, risk, governance, and contract compliance.

• Support the development and management of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems (DPS).

• Maintain accurate procurement records to support audit, transparency, and governance requirements.

• Provide expert procurement guidance and support to internal teams across the Place directorate.

Skills/Experience:

• Proven experience in public sector procurement, ideally within a local authority environment.

• Strong knowledge of UK procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023.

• Experience managing high\-value, complex procurements within highways, transport, or infrastructure.

• Sound understanding of NEC contract forms.

• Ability to manage multiple high\-priority projects and meet tight deadlines.

• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Experience advising senior stakeholders on procurement strategy and risk.

• Immediate availability and ability to adapt to changing priorities.

• MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification (desirable).

• Familiarity with e\-tendering platforms and contract management systems (desirable).

Additional Information:

• The closing date: 26/02/2026.

• Location: Dorset (hybrid working – minimum 2 days per week in the office).

• Contract: Interim, 3 months.

• Working hours: Full\-time, 37 hours per week.

• Day rate: £500 per day.

• Start date: Immediate.

• Travel to Dorset Council offices required weekly.

• Previous local government experience essential.

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