Senior Procurement Officer Highways & Transport

Venn Group; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in England is looking for an experienced Interim Senior Procurement Officer to lead complex procurements in Highways and Transport. The role involves managing high-value contracts and ensuring compliance with UK regulations. Candidates should have significant public sector procurement experience, particularly within local government. This hybrid position requires 2 days on-site and offers £500 per day for an initial duration of 3-6 months, subject to extension.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in public sector procurement, with previous local government experience essential.
• Strong working knowledge of UK procurement legislation and NEC contract forms.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex procurements under tight timescales.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes for high-value highways and transport contracts.
• Ensure compliance with UK public procurement regulations.
• Develop procurement strategies and manage supplier engagement.

Skills

Public sector procurement

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Knowledge of UK procurement legislation

Job description

Overview

Dorset Council are seeking an experienced Interim Senior Procurement Officer to lead urgent and complex procurements within Highways and Transport. This role will support the delivery of high-value transport and highway contracts, including school transport, public transport, and operational highways services.

Set-up: Hybrid – 2-days on-site

Rate: £500/day via umbrella inside IR35

Duration: Initial 3-6 month, subject to extension

Hours: Full-time position

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes for high-value highways and transport contracts, including school and public transport
• Ensure all procurement activity is fully compliant with UK public procurement regulations, the Procurement Act 2023, and local authority standing orders
• Develop procurement strategies, prepare tender documentation, and manage supplier engagement, evaluation, and contract award
• Provide expert procurement advice to internal stakeholders on risk, governance, and contract compliance (including NEC contracts)
• Support the development and delivery of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems, maintaining robust audit and governance records

Requirements

• Significant experience in public sector procurement, with previous local government experience essential
• Strong working knowledge of UK procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023, and NEC contract forms
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex procurements under tight timescales and competing priorities
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills within a Place-based or transport context
• Immediate availability and flexibility to work on a hybrid basis, with regular travel to Dorset Council offices