Contract jobs in United Kingdom

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people‑focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

We are looking for a Procurement and Contracts Assistant to join our Finance team at Portsmouth International Port to support with the effective management of all contracts, new procurements and contract management processes. This is a/full time role based at Portsmouth International Port with some hybrid working depending on business needs.

The role involves supporting the Port Finance and Commercial Specialist in managing procurement and contract processes for Portsmouth International Port. Responsibilities include assisting with above and below threshold procurement activities, drafting tender documentation, ensuring compliance, and maintaining timely tender programmes. The position requires liaising with Portsmouth City Council's Legal and Procurement Services to ensure appropriate terms, best practices, and approvals. Additional duties include aiding contract management by setting KPIs, monitoring performance, and documenting meetings, as well as reviewing governance reports and uploading all procurement and contract documentation to the Port's document management system.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong administrative background complemented by versatile IT skills across various software packages. They demonstrate excellent communication and negotiation abilities, both verbal and written, and can effectively engage with individuals at all organizational levels and external stakeholders. Highly organized, they excel at developing timetables, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and meeting deadlines. Additionally, they bring valuable commercial acumen to support strategic decision‑making.

For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal

Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid working depending on the role and business needs.

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council

All employees and third parties working at the Portsmouth International Port are subject to the Substance Misuse - Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy and the Port reserves the right to carry out with cause and random testing. In line with Home Office requirements, employees must also register their personal details on the government's central database, Access Pass Holder Information Distribution System (APHIDS), as without this registration employees will be denied entry to the Restricted Area (RA) of Portsmouth International Port.

Interview date: Thursday 5th February 2026