Dorset Council are seeking an experienced Interim Senior Procurement Officer to lead urgent and complex procurements within Highways and Transport. This role will support the delivery of high-value transport and highway contracts, including school transport, public transport, and operational highways services.
Set-up: Hybrid – 2-days on-site
Rate: £500/day via umbrella inside IR35
Duration: Initial 3-6 month, subject to extension
Hours: Full-time position
Responsibilities include:
1. Lead end-to-end procurement processes for high-value highways and transport contracts, including school and public transport
2. Ensure all procurement activity is fully compliant with UK public procurement regulations, the Procurement Act 2023, and local authority standing orders
3. Develop procurement strategies, prepare tender documentation, and manage supplier engagement, evaluation, and contract award
4. Provide expert procurement advice to internal stakeholders on risk, governance, and contract compliance (including NEC contracts)
5. Support the development and delivery of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems, maintaining robust audit and governance records
Requirements:
6. Significant experience in public sector procurement, with previous local government experience essential
7. Strong working knowledge of UK procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023, and NEC contract forms
8. Proven ability to manage multiple complex procurements under tight timescales and competing priorities
9. Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills within a Place-based or transport context
10. Immediate availability and flexibility to work on a hybrid basis, with regular travel to Dorset Council offices
At Venn Group, we endeavour to respond to all applications However due to the volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within 48 hours please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion