Procurement and Contract Officer

The procurement team are responsible for ensuring that all procurement and contract management activities (commercial arrangements) provide the very best value for money for the council. We provide professional advice, guidance and insight regarding markets, suppliers, and contractual options to help support service delivery and improvement. We are a well-respected and award-winning service with a reputation for excellence.

Joining us, you will be inspired by new opportunities and the exposure and experience to develop your skills professionally. You will be supported to work in a commercially minded fashion, building excellent working relationships with colleagues across the organisation, all united in their motivation to deliver the best outcomes for our council.

Role summary

You will ensure that all procurement and contract management activities provide the very best value for money for the council. Providing professional advice, guidance and insight regarding markets, suppliers, and contractual options to help support service delivery and improvement.

You will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies, identifying cost‑saving opportunities, and ensuring the procurement and contract management processes are efficient and aligned with North Yorkshire Council’s objectives.

You will ensure compliance with the overall Category Sourcing Strategy, the Council’s Procurement and Contract Management Strategy, Procurement and Contract Procedure Rules, Financial Regulations, and UK Legislation on public procurement and contract management.

What we are looking for

We welcome applications from candidates with public sector procurement experience, commercial backgrounds, or transferable skills gained in roles such as project management, contract administration, or other analytical and stakeholder focused professions.

This role may be for you if you have:

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• An analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and support decision‑making.
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn procurement frameworks and regulations.
• Experience working in a structured, compliance‑focused environment.
• Proactive, can‑do attitude.

Duties and responsibilities

Procurement and Contract Officer

• Support Senior Commercial Managers and Senior Commercial Officers in execution of category management and ongoing procurement activity and contract mobilisation.
• Manage the procurement process from market engagement to contract administration.
• Provide contract management support, including supporting supplier negotiations and assisting service areas with supplier performance.
• Ensure timely and quality delivery of medium to high value procurement activities, whilst adhering to council standards and governance frameworks.
• Maintain accurate information on the progress of procurement and contract management activities.
• Apply commercial acumen to projects and challenge others where appropriate to drive value for money.
• Identify, manage and accelerate risks.
• Undertake price and process benchmarking and reporting.

Qualifications

• Qualified to CIPS Level 4 or be willing to complete this. The Council is committed to supporting staff with training and development and will fully fund CIPS qualifications via an apprenticeship.

What we Offer

We are a strong performing authority, with supportive political leadership and talented teams providing the platform to have a fulfilling, challenging and successful career in a truly stunning place.

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of great benefits to help you financially and make life a bit easier.

• a local government pension scheme with 18.1% employer contribution
• salary sacrifice schemes
• modern flexible working practices
• learning and development packages
• career advancement opportunities
• employee discount benefits including shopping and gym discounts
• green car and cycle schemes
• travel loans
• Health Assured – confidential help and support for your wellbeing

Contact and Apply

For more information, or an informal chat about the role, please contact Katie.Longstaff@northyorks.gov.uk or Vicky.Murray@northyorks.gov.uk.

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