Procurement and Contract Officer

Westmorland and Furness Council; Penrith; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a Procurement and Contract Officer to join the busy Procurement and Contract Management team. You will support procurement exercises, draft specifications, monitor supplier performance, and assist with contract management across services.

The role requires knowledge of procurement processes, tendering, and KPI-based performance management, with strong organisational and communication skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience or knowledge of procurement and/or contract management processes.
• An understanding of tendering, specifications, and performance management.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills.
• The ability to build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Good communication skills and attention to detail.
• The desire and ability to work collaboratively to effect change.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of procurement exercises, including RFQs and tender processes, in line with legislation and Council procedures
• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues across services on procurement and contract management activities
• Contribute to the development of specifications, KPIs, and contract documentation
• Monitor supplier performance, including KPI tracking and compliance checks
• Support contract management activity, including performance reporting and issue escalation
• Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external providers
• Support market engagement and supplier development activities
• Support accurate procurement records and use of e-procurement systems

Skills

Procurement knowledge

Contract management

Tendering

Specifications

Performance management

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Procurement

Tools

e-procurement systems

Job description

We are looking to recruit a Procurement and Contract Officer to join our busy and expanding Procurement and Contract Management team. This role supports the delivery of the Council's Procurement Improvement Programme, helping to strengthen procurement governance, ensure compliance with legislation, and improve consistency and value across our services. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a developing function, supporting a wide range of procurements and contracts that directly impact frontline services across the Council. What You'll Be Doing

• Support the delivery of procurement exercises, including RFQs and tender processes, in line with legislation and Council procedures
• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues across services on procurement and contract management activities
• Contribute to the development of specifications, KPIs, and contract documentation
• Monitor supplier performance, including KPI tracking and compliance checks
• Support contract management activity, including performance reporting and issue escalation
• Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external providers
• Support market engagement and supplier development activities
• Support accurate procurement records and use of e-procurement systems

We are looking for innovative and creative individuals with skills, knowledge, and experience in procurement, who want to make a difference. To be successful in the role you must have:

• Experience or knowledge of procurement and/or contract management processes
• An understanding of tendering, specifications, and performance management
• Strong organisational and analytical skills
• The ability to build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Good communication skills and attention to detail
• The desire and ability to work collaboratively to effect change

A relevant qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3 in Procurement or equivalent experience) is desirable. These are high-profile roles and will provide you with the opportunity to work alongside a range of people, both within the Council and from other agencies and key stakeholder groups

For guidance on the recruitment process, FAQs, and useful tips for completing your application, please visit: Safer Recruitment & DBS At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences. As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.

Please note: If the Post Specification for this vacancy states that a UK driving licence is required, non-UK driving licences with entitlement to drive vehicles in the UK will also be accepted.