3 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • Interim Senior Procurement Officer required to lead urgent and complex procurements within Highways and Transport for Dorset Council. • The role focuses on delivering high-value contracts including school transport, public transport, and highway operational services. • The postholder will provide expert procurement advice within a local government “Place” context, ensuring compliance, value for money, and timely delivery. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Lead and manage end-to-end procurement processes for highways and transport contracts. • Deliver strategic procurements including school transport, public transport, highway frameworks, and operational service contracts. • Ensure full compliance with UK public procurement regulations, the Procurement Act 2023, and local authority standing orders. • Prepare tender documentation and manage supplier engagement, evaluation, and contract award processes. • Advise internal stakeholders on procurement strategy, risk, governance, and contract compliance. • Support the development and management of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems (DPS). • Maintain accurate procurement records to support audit, transparency, and governance requirements. • Provide expert procurement guidance and support to internal teams across the Place directorate. Skills/Experience: • Proven experience in public sector procurement, ideally within a local authority environment. • Strong knowledge of UK procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023. • Experience managing high-value, complex procurements within highways, transport, or infrastructure. • Sound understanding of NEC contract forms. • Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and meet tight deadlines. • Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills. • Experience advising senior stakeholders on procurement strategy and risk. • Immediate availability and ability to adapt to changing priorities. • MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification (desirable). • Familiarity with e-tendering platforms and contract management systems (desirable). Additional Information: • The closing date: 26/02/2026. • Location: Dorset (hybrid working – minimum 2 days per week in the office). • Contract: Interim, 3 months. • Working hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week. • Day rate: £500 per day. • Start date: Immediate. • Travel to Dorset Council offices required weekly. • Previous local government experience essential.