Address: Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 4AZ, with travel across the district and beyond as required
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Company Description
Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority (SCPHA) is responsible for overseeing environmental, public, and animal health controls for imports entering the Port of Felixstowe, Harwich International Port, and the Port of Ipswich. Operating at Britain's busiest container port, SCPHA maintains exceptionally high service standards. The authority employs one of the largest port health teams in the UK and continually enhances efficiency and clearance times through its innovative IT system, PHILIS. SCPHA is a forward‑thinking organization committed to maintaining public health and safety while facilitating trade operations.
Role Description
As our Contracts Officer, you will:
* Lead and manage the full contracting lifecycle – from specification and procurement through to monitoring, renewal, and improvement.
* Act as the subject matter expert for SCPHA on all contracting matters.
* Be the primary point of contact between suppliers, customers, and internal teams.
* Monitor performance against KPIs, identifying and resolving non‑conformances quickly and effectively.
* Work closely with Procurement, Legal and Finance colleagues to ensure full compliance with legislation and Council procedures.
* Prepare and present reports (including Cabinet‑level reports where required).
* Manage and monitor contract budgets, ensuring value for money.
* Drive continuous improvement through performance benchmarking and data‑led reporting.
* Support smooth transition of new contracts into business as usual delivery.
* This role reports directly to the Port Health Business Manager.
About You
We are looking for someone who brings:
* A proven track record in procurement and contract management.
* Strong understanding of Local Government procurement processes.
* Experience in contract negotiation, specification, performance management and resolving deviations.
* Budget monitoring and financial awareness.
* Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders and service users.
Skills and Attributes
* Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
* Confident communicator who can influence at all levels.
* Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities.
* Commercially aware with strong business acumen.
* Skilled in stakeholder management and relationship building.
* Able to deliver complex projects within deadlines and budgets.
* Strong report writing and IT skills.
* Qualifications
* Degree level (Level 6) qualification or equivalent technical experience in a contract‑related field.
Here are some of the main benefits
* Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays).
* Flexible working arrangements.
* Learning and development tailored to your role.
* A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
* Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.
Apply at: Contract Officer - Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers
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