Senior Procurement Officer

Interim Senior Procurement Officer – Highways and Transport

Must be able to travel to Dorset (2 days a week in the office) some flexibility for the right candidate..

Previous local government experience essential with working knowledge within School Transport Contracts and Public Transport Contracts.

Location: Hybrid (2 days in office per week – some negotiation)
Contract: Interim – 3 months – 37 hours a week
Day Rate: £500 a day Inside IR35
Start Date: Immediate

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Interim Procurement Officer to lead urgent and complex procurements. This role will support the delivery of high-value contracts for public and school transport. The primary purpose of the recruitment is a skilled procurement officer with an understanding of local government procurement with a Place context. This supports the strategic procurements including: school transport contracts, public transport contracts.

Key Responsibilities

* Manage end-to-end procurement processes school transport contracts, public transport contracts

* Ensure all procurement activity complies with UK public procurement regulations, the Procurement Act 2023, and local authority standing orders.

* Prepare tender documentation, support supplier engagement, and oversee evaluation and award processes.

* Advise internal stakeholders on procurement strategy, risk management, and contract compliance.

* Support the development and delivery of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems.

* Maintain accurate records for audit and governance purposes.

* Provide expert guidance to internal teams

Essential Skills & Experience

* Proven experience in public sector procurement, ideally within a local authority setting.

* Strong knowledge of UK procurement legislation and contract forms (NEC).

* Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects under tight deadlines.

* Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.

* Immediate availability and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.

Desirable

* MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification.

* Familiarity with e-tendering platforms and contract management systems.

Working Conditions

* Hybrid working model (minimum 2 days in office per week)
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed