This is an exciting opportunity to join Dorset Council as a Senior Procurement Officer (Business Partner) and play a key role in shaping procurement strategies that impact our communities. Currently, this role is targeted at a Corporate Business Partner position covering transformation, technology, and Our Future Council initiatives.
It offers flexibility to support wider Adults and People procurement and contribute to Corporate and Place priorities as Dorset Council evolves. Candidates will be pooled for any future Senior Procurement Officer positions over the next 18 months.
Future reorganisations or transformations within Dorset Council may shift the strategic focus of this role, providing opportunities to develop new skills across diverse projects.
Applicants with a strong public sector procurement background, including experience with tenders and framework call-offs, will be prioritized for interview, as they are expected to contribute effectively from day one. You will be responsible for delivering the procurement strategy for the relevant category, managing complex procurement activities from initiation to contract management, ensuring services are cost-effective, sustainable, and aligned with the Council's objectives.
What You Will Be Doing
* Develop and promote a business partnering approach, collaborating with other Business Partners and Corporate Development teams.
* Support Directorates in achieving their strategic aims.
* Provide strategic guidance to Directorate leads.
* Manage tender processes for directorate-specific requirements, ensuring best practices.
* Deliver strategic sourcing and commercial advice.
* Offer commercial guidance to officers and suppliers.
* Support a commercially minded approach within the Council.
About You
* Effective communication skills to engage multiple stakeholders internally and externally.
* Experience in working with suppliers, including relationship and contract management.
* A strong commercial background with knowledge of procurement practices.
* Expertise in public sector procurement regulations, including Procurement Act 23 training.
* Understanding of market and supply chain operations to secure value for money and efficiencies.
* Project management skills to lead projects effectively, with competent use of ICT tools (including Procontract e-tender system) and strong Microsoft Office skills.
Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your expertise will help shape the future of procurement practices, delivering the best outcomes for our communities. The Commercial & Procurement team is proactive and consultative, supporting directorates to ensure our contracts deliver value for Dorset residents.
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