Interim Category Officer

1st Executive Ltd; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement firm seeks an Assistant Procurement Officer, ideally suited for someone at the Procurement Assistant level looking to advance. You will support procurement and contract management in Children’s Services, ensuring compliance with public sector regulations. This hybrid role requires effective communication skills and experience in relevant procurement tools. The position involves managing procurement requests, conducting RFQs, and maintaining accurate records, with flexible working hours. Suitable candidates should have a strong background in Children's Services and Education, alongside public sector knowledge.

Qualifications

• Experience with public sector procurement is essential.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong collaborative skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Respond to procurement requests from stakeholders.
• Manage the shared inbox and prioritize workloads.
• Handle RFQs in line with procurement procedures.
• Support procurement exercises through contract award.
• Maintain procurement and contract records.

Skills

Experience in Children’s Services and Education categories

Public sector procurement knowledge

Ability to carry out end-to-end procurements

Understanding of procurement compliance

Strong organisational skills

Good communication skills

Tools

Atamis

ProContracts

Job description

Assistant Procurement Officer - Children’s Services & Education

Grade: 11
Rate: £27.96 UMB
Location: County Hall, Oxford (Hybrid - 1 day per month on site, with the possibility of an additional day quarterly)

Role Overview

This role is ideal for someone operating at a Procurement Assistant level who is looking to develop their skills and progress into an Officer role. Reporting to the Category Manager for Children’s Services, the postholder will support and deliver procurement and contract management activity across Children’s Services and Education categories.

The role will involve supporting and managing end-to-end procurements with appropriate guidance, ensuring compliance with public sector procurement regulations and local authority governance.

Key Responsibilities

Respond promptly to procurement requests from internal stakeholders

Manage a busy shared inbox and prioritise workload effectively

Handle Requests for Quotations (RFQs) in line with procurement thresholds and procedures

Support and confidently moderate procurement exercises through to contract award

Undertake contract extensions and variations in accordance with Local Authority governance processes

Support the opening rounds of frameworks, including moderation, issuing outcome letters, following up on due diligence, and ensuring contracts are signed

Lead variations in collaboration with key internal stakeholders, with support where required

Maintain accurate procurement and contract records using e-procurement systems

Essential Experience and Skills

Experience in Children’s Services and Education categories is essential

Public sector procurement knowledge and experience

Ability to carry out end-to-end procurements with minimal supervision

Understanding of procurement compliance and governance within a Local Authority setting

Experience using Atamis and ProContracts

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders

Working Arrangements

Hybrid working with 1 day per month at County Hall, Oxford, and the possibility of an additional day quarterly

Flexible working hours, with core hours expected to be covered between 8:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday