Procurement Assistant

Overview

Contract Local Authority procurement role in Surrey (Elmbridge Borough Council) - 9 months contract with local authority procurement responsibilities.

Job Title: Procurement Assistant

Location: High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SD, United Kingdom

Responsibilities

• Procurement Support: Provide procurement support across multiple Council service areas; assist with procurement exercises for goods, works, and services, ensuring compliance with procurement legislation and internal procedures; support the preparation, administration, and evaluation of procurement activities and tender exercises; assist in obtaining best value for money; work closely with service departments to support procurement projects and activities.
• Tendering and Contract Management: Operate and maintain the Council's electronic tendering portal; support the administration of tender processes from initiation through to contract award; ensure procurement documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with legislative requirements; assist with contract management activities and contract record maintenance; draft and issue legally compliant outcome and award letters within required timescales.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensure procurement activities comply with Contract Procedure Rules and the Procurement Act 2023; assist in maintaining the Contracts Register; support the publication of procurement notices and transparency information; maintain accurate procurement records and audit trails; promote good governance and procurement best practice.
• Administration and Service Improvement: Undertake general administrative duties to support the Procurement function; maintain procurement databases, documentation, and management information; contribute to development of procedures, guides, templates, and best practice documents; assist with procurement reporting and performance monitoring; support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build positive working relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers; assist colleagues in understanding procurement processes and requirements; provide a professional and customer-focused service; support collaborative working across departments to achieve procurement outcomes.
• Professional Development: Stay up to date with developments in procurement legislation, public sector best practice, and procurement technology; participate in performance reviews, one-to-one meetings, and training opportunities; contribute to personal and team development.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in a Local Government or Public Sector procurement environment; experience supporting public sector procurement and tendering exercises; experience following compliant procurement processes; experience contributing to successful project outcomes; experience working with stakeholders at all levels; experience with contract management and maintaining procurement records; experience using electronic procurement and tendering systems; experience working within Local Authority procurement services.
• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics, or equivalent relevant experience; University Degree or equivalent qualification; procurement-related qualification or willingness to work towards professional accreditation; membership of a relevant professional body such as CIPS.

Knowledge and Skills

• Public sector procurement best practice; understanding of procurement regulations and the Procurement Act 2023; strong IT skills (Word, Excel); experience using electronic procurement portals and tender management systems; excellent verbal and written communication; strong organisational and administrative skills; high accuracy and attention to detail; ability to manage and prioritise workloads; ability to work independently and meet deadlines; strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills; adaptability to new processes and technologies; knowledge of local government procurement frameworks and governance; understanding of contract management principles; awareness of transparency and procurement reporting in the public sector.

Additional Information

• Hours: 36 hours per week; Working Pattern: Hybrid with 3 days in the office
• Team: Legal Services - Procurement Function
• Work Environment: Supporting procurement activities across multiple Council service areas, ensuring compliance with public sector procurement regulations and best practice
• Key Systems: Electronic tendering portals and contract management systems
• Procurement Focus: Assisting with procurement of goods, works, and services, contract administration, compliance monitoring, and governance
• Professional Development: Training and development opportunities to support procurement knowledge and career progression
• Stakeholder Engagement: Regular interaction with internal departments, suppliers, and external stakeholders