An exciting development opportunity has arisen in the Councils Procurement Team for a procurement officer (pathway). If you are looking to lay the foundations for a career in procurement, this vacancy offers an opportunity to develop a career in a fast paced and diverse field, whilst also having the opportunity to undertake a Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Apprenticeship, resulting in a level 4 CIPS qualification. WHAT IS INVOLVED? The role is based on a graded career structure from grade 7 to 9 with progression dependent on CIPS qualification achievement and by demonstrating competency commensurate with the grade level. You will be expected to assist in the development, implementation and operation of the Councils procurement strategy, policies, systems, and processes and will work alongside a team of procurement professionals reporting directly to the Procurement Manager for Construction. We encourage you to contact Antonia Smith via email at antonia.smith@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion. WHAT WILL I NEED? You will need 3 A-Levels (grades A-C), relevant Foundation Degree or equivalent. You will also need knowledge of public sector procurement, experience in assisting in the development, implementation and operation of policies, systems, processes, toolkits, across a procurement / commercial environment. Along with strong ICT capability and strong communication skills. Please refer to the person specification for the full criteria REWARDS AND BENEFITS We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best: Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service. Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year. Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year). Hybrid working (home and office working). Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS. Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme. Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring. Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers). Discounted DCC gym membership. Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause. Trade Union membership. A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: Rewards-and-benefits SOCIAL MEDIA Don’t see the perfect role for you right now? Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on new opportunities at Durham County Council! Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook HYBRID WORKING (if applicable) Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services. We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process. Take a closer look: Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce INTERVIEWS It is anticipated that interviews will be held week commencing 7th July 2025. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. HOW TO APPLY In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal. Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email RecruitmentResources@durham.gov.uk or telephone 03000 26 27 27 selecting option 3 for Resources. We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice. VPRS/161