Interim Senior Procurement Officer (Highways)

Connect2Dorset; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A public sector organization is seeking an experienced Interim Senior Procurement Officer to lead urgent procurements within the highways and transport sectors. Responsibilities include managing procurement processes, ensuring compliance with UK regulations, and providing expert guidance to internal teams. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in public sector procurement, particularly within a local authority context. Immediate availability is essential for this hybrid role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in public sector procurement.
• Strong knowledge of UK procurement legislation and contract forms.
• Ability to manage high-priority projects under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement processes for transport and highway contracts.
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations.
• Prepare tender documentation and oversee evaluation processes.
• Advise on procurement strategy and contract compliance.

Skills

Public sector procurement experience

Knowledge of UK procurement legislation

Stakeholder engagement skills

Negotiation skills

Job description

Interim Senior Procurement Officer - Highways and Transport

Location: Hybrid (minimum 2 days in office per week)
Contract: Interim - 3 months
Day Rate: Competitive (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 as well as operational highway contracts. 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, highway framework contracts for subcontractor resource and a highway service contract for operational delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement processes for transport and highway 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