Apprentice Procurement Assistant

Sefton Council; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Sefton Council is seeking a procurement professional to support the Procurement Team in securing high-quality, cost-efficient supplies in line with the Corporate Procurement Strategy and Contract Procedure Rules.

The role focuses on RFQ activities, tender documentation, waiver management, data reporting, and cost avoidance tracking to maximise value for the Council's resources. 36 hours per week for 21 months, with a salary at NMW plus 3% depending on age.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and related governance for council procurement operations.
• Experience preparing RFQ and tender documentation in line with Contract Procedure Rules.
• Ability to support end-to-end procurement processes, including contract award.
• Capable of maintaining the Contracts Waiver Register and ensuring proper authorisation.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain knowledge of procurement governance and impact on operations.
• Undertake RFQ exercises and prepare tender documents in line with rules.
• Support end-to-end procurement procedures up to contract award and governance.
• Maintain the Waivers Register with accurate information and obtain authorisation.
• Provide spend data analysis and reporting across the Council.

Skills

Procurement knowledge

RFQ / Tender processes

Data analysis

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
• Salary: NMW plus 3% age dependent (breakdown per age group as stated in the recruitment pack
• Contract: Contract
• Working Pattern: Full Time
• Hours: 36 hours per week. 21 Month Post.
• DBS Check: No
• Closing Date: 15/10/2026 at 23:59
• Reference: SS/26/345944

About the Role

To support members of the Procurement Team and learn how to provide a professional sourcing, procurement and supplier management function in securing high quality and cost-efficient supply of a wide range of goods and services which meet the principle requirements of the Corporate Procurement Strategy and Contract Procedure Rules, ensuring the most cost-effective use of the Council’s resources.

Main Duties

• Establish and maintain an operational knowledge of the applicable Procurement Act 2023 and how they impact the procurement operation of the Council.
• Establish and maintain an operational knowledge of the Council’s Contracts Procedure Rules and related governance, and how they impact the procurement operation of the Council.
• Undertake Request for Quotation (RFQ) procurement exercises and prepare tender documentation by liaising with Procurement Team colleagues compliant to the Procurement Act 2023, and our Contract Procedure Rules. Support colleagues in managing compliant end to end procurement procedures, including contract award.
• Support the Procurement Operations Manager to maintain and update the Contracts Waiver Register and ensure all processes are followed. Ensure Waivers are submitted with the correct information. Record all waiver details and liaise with Heads of Services for authorisation.
• Provide data analysis and reporting of spend profiles across the Council.
• Contribute to the recording of cost avoidance savings across the Council.

Please see Appendix A (page 10) for a full copy of the Job Description and Person Specification.

The closing date for this vacancy is Thursday 15th October 2026 (or earlier in the event of high volume of applications being received).

Interview date is Wednesday 28th October 2026.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential.We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.

If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.

Consider registering for Sefton@work

If you’re an unemployed Sefton resident, register with our Sefton@Work service for free support to help you into employment. You may be eligible for extra assistance such as funding for travel, work clothing, or vouchers to make starting your new job easier. Call Sefton@Work on 0151 934 2610 or visit seftonatwork.net to find out more and get started today!