Procurement Officer

Interim Procurement Officer– Preston– £14.17 p/h – 3-month interim contract – Start ASAP – Hybrid/Flexible working.
Reed Talent Solutions are supporting a local police force in the recruitment of an Interim Procurement Officer to provide a high-quality procurement function, supporting the Procurement and Contracts Manager. This role is key to ensuring that procurement activities are conducted in line with EU Directives, Public Contract Regulations, and organisational policies, delivering value for money and supporting the organisation’s objectives.

The ideal candidate will be part or fully qualified in Level 5 or Level 6 CIPS Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.
Day to Day of the role:
• Undertake tendering exercises in compliance with EU Directives and Public Contract Regulations.
• Support internal and external stakeholders with procurement projects.
• Deliver presentations and briefings on procurement regulations and directives.
• Lead, negotiate, construct, and manage diverse and complex procurement contracts.
• Proactively manage contracts to identify savings and efficiencies.
• Contribute to procurement meetings at various levels and lead on initiatives as appropriate.
• Advise on tendering procedures to ensure compliance with standing orders and relevant legislation.
• Support high-value projects, including handling technical and legal queries.
• Undertake market testing, supplier appraisal, and vendor rating for projects exceeding £100k.
• Regularly report on spend and challenge trends outside of expected parameters.
• Maintain and update accurate contract information from various sources.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
• The ideal candidate is to have significant procurement experience, preferably within a public sector environment.
• Qualification in Business Management or equivalent.
• Commitment to working towards or fully qualified to Level 6 Graduate Professional Diploma in Procurement & Supply (or equivalent).
• Experience in negotiating and influencing stakeholders.
• Knowledge of interpreting and applying relevant legislation, such as Procurement Directives and Public Contracts Regulations.
• Understanding of public sector procurement processes and Category Management.
• Experience in leading high-level spend/complex projects.
• Proficiency in using e-tendering systems and undertaking supplier engagement initiatives.
• Ability to produce and analyse management information to support procurement recommendations.
• Capable of preparing reports and delivering presentations to influence buying decisions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, organising and prioritising own workload.
Benefits:
• Temporary – permanent potential
• Comprehensive professional development and support.
• Involvement in a range of procurement activities with local, regional, and national impact.
• Opportunity to work within a committed and supportive team.

To apply for the Procurement Officer position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications, and how you meet the competencies outlined in the role profile.