Senior Procurement and Contracts Officer, LONDON BOROUGH OF HACKNEY

Guardian Jobs; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative local authority in London is seeking a Senior Procurement and Contracts Officer to enhance public health services. This role involves strategic commissioning, effective contract management, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. If you are passionate about improving community health and have strong procurement expertise, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in a vibrant borough. Join a dedicated team committed to equality and public service, and help shape a healthier future for all residents.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications, preferably degree level or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of NHS and Local Authority public health commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Manage contract management system ensuring performance targets are met.
• Contribute to strategic commissioning of public health services.

Skills

Procurement Management

Contract Management

Project Management

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Public Sector Knowledge

Education

Degree Level Qualification

Job description

6 Months Fixed Term/Secondment Opportunity.

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.

Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

About Us:

Our Public Health Service plays a vital role in this mission. We're passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of our communities in both Hackney and the City of London. We work collaboratively and creatively to address health inequalities and create a healthier future for all.

The City of London Corporation shares this commitment to community and sustainability. As the governing body of the Square Mile, they play a crucial role in supporting a thriving London and contributing to a flourishing society.

If you would like to find out more information about public health in the City and Hackney, please visit the Hackney and City of London Health and Wellbeing Profiles website at https://hackneyjsna.org.uk/ and the services recruitment page at https://recruitment.hackney.gov.uk/the-public-health-team/

Key Accountabilities:

Are you a dynamic and experienced procurement and contracts professional looking to play a key role in improving public health services? We are seeking a Senior Procurement and Contracts Officer to join the City and Hackney Public Health Team.

You will work closely with the senior colleagues in the Commissioning Team to provide effective commissioning and contract management support. You will be instrumental in ensuring that services are procured effectively, contracts are managed robustly, and that we achieve the best possible outcomes for our community.

What you’ll do:

• Manage and maintain an effective contract management system, ensuring performance targets are met and spending is controlled
• Contribute to the strategic commissioning of public health services, including the development of service specifications
• Manage medium and low-risk procurements, mitigating risks and ensuring progress
• Provide expert advice on procurement and contract management best practices
• Offer professional project management support to facilitate strategic commissioning
• Develop and manage a range of service agreements, ensuring compliance with the Council’s Standing Orders, relevant legislative requirements and the Council’s service priorities
• Oversee the tender and contract award process, from drafting timetables and tender panel management to coordinating evaluations and producing necessary documentation
• Lead on contract monitoring with support from the wider Public Health team
• Maintain service provider relationships and with other relevant stakeholders throughout the procurement and commissioning process
• Deputise for the Senior Strategic Commissioner and the Commissioning Manager, as needed

Skills & experience:

In order to be considered for this position you will need the following:

• Formal qualifications, preferably to degree level, or equivalent experience, with a commitment to ongoing professional development
• Strong knowledge of the NHS, Local Authority, primary care and voluntary sector provisions in relation to public health commissioning and delivery
• Proven experience in commissioning, establishing, and operating contracts and service agreements
• Demonstrable experience in project management, planning, managing, and monitoring programmes of work, and using IT for reporting and analysis
• A solid understanding of local government operations, including financial, legal, and political issues, and the challenges of providing quality public health services in a diverse inner-city area
• Previous experience in public sector procurement
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• A commitment to equality of opportunity, the Council’s core values, and public service

Other:

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values, so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency-based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 18 May 2025 (22.59).

Interview and assessment date: W/C 9 June 2025.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: [e-mail]