Procurement and Contracts Support Officer - Maternity Cover

Isle of Wight Council; Thorley; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a proactive individual to join its Procurement and Contracts Team on a fixed-term contract for maternity cover. The role, expected to start in January 2026, involves monitoring contracts, reviewing Purchase Orders, and advising on procurement processes. Ideal candidates will have experience in procurement within the public sector and possess strong analytical and organisational skills. The position is office-based but offers some agile or remote working options.

Qualifications

• Experience in public sector or similar environment is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities are needed.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and administer contractual arrangements and performance measures.
• Review and approve Purchase Order requests.
• Ensure contract administration aligns with agreed policies.
• Analyse spend data for compliance and savings opportunities.
• Advise on contract-related matters and monitor supplier performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Organisational abilities

Education

Experience in procurement or contract administration

Tools

ProContract

Docusign

SAP

Job description

37 hours per week

Fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover until 31 December 2026 (to be confirmed)

Approx. start date is planned for January 2026

This role is office-based; however, it also offers some agile or remote working

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual to join our Procurement and Contracts Team on a fixed-term basis to provide maternity cover for up to 12 months.

You will provide essential guidance and support to ensure procurement and contract administration activities are delivered in line with corporate policies, procedures, and legislative transparency requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and administer contractual arrangements and performance measures using systems such as ProContract, Docusign and SAP.
• Review and approval of Purchase Order requests ensuring alignment with the Council’s Contract Standing Orders.
• Ensure corporate-level contract administration aligns with agreed policies and meets transparency obligations.
• Analyse spend data to identify non-compliance and support strategic savings opportunities.
• Advise commissioners on contract-related matters and monitor supplier performance/KPIs.
• Prepare management reports on contract activity, spend trends, and performance for stakeholders including CMT and Members.
• Support the Procurement Team with administrative and procedural procurement matters.
• Assist with live procurement processes, including issuing contracts and extension letters.
• Maintain the council’s procurement pipeline and planned activity register.
• Administer core systems including e-Tendering and Contract Management, ensuring the contracts register is accurate and complete.
• Support the Waiver and Transparency Policy and related operational procedures.

Key Attributes

• Experience in procurement or contract administration within a public sector or similar environment.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
• Confidence using procurement systems and interpreting data to inform decisions.