Procurement Support Officer - Working for Essex

About the role

Procurement Support Officer

Permanent, Full Time

£25,959 to £28,621 Per Annum

Location: Chelmsford

Closing Date: Thursday 30th July 2026 at 11.59pm.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Supporting Statement

Please provide a supporting statement explaining why you believe you match the essential criteria listed below, describing the experience or transferable skills you possess. All applications without a supporting statement / information will be declined.

Interview Process

We will be using a two-stage interview process when recruiting for this position, with the first stage being a one-way video interview. The second stage will be an assessment centre, which will take place on the 20th of August 2026 at County Hall Chelmsford.

This role will be filled on a hybrid basis. This means you can work remotely part of the working week with an expectation to attend the office at least 1 day per week. Any journeys to the office would be at your own expense. More specific details about this can be discussed at the interview stage should you be invited to interview.

To read more about us, please visit: https://workingforessex.com/careers-in-procurement

The Procurement Support Office is our entry level role and is a great starting point for those completely new to procurement. You will play a role in supporting the Procurement function across a broad range of activities, within the procurement team. The role will contribute to the effective delivery of projects from related to all county council services.

Key responsibilities include managing and responding to supplier and contractor enquiries, supporting market engagement and pre‑market activities, and providing contract administration across projects. The role will also assist with lower‑value sourcing, tendering, and contract management tasks, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and framework governance.

The Procurement Officer will help produce research and analysis to inform category strategies, including supply chain insights, cost analysis, and opportunities for improved supplier or framework performance. The individual will actively identify ways to streamline processes, reduce waste, and introduce technologies or automation where possible, while remaining compliant with existing contractual and framework constraints.

Success in the role will rely on strong analytical skills and the ability to explore alternative solutions that meet stakeholder needs across construction, development, and housing delivery projects. This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to build specialist expertise in public‑sector procurement while supporting meaningful development programmes across Essex.

Accountabilities

Manage responses to supplier queries, co-ordinating the support to market engagement events and providing contract administration.
Lead on the delivery and development of contract and supplier amendment and update processes including, contract novations, price uplifts and on boarding new suppliers to ECC, liaising with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate.
Manage contracts to ensure that performance standards are achieved and any contractual, commercial or market risks are identified and appropriate mitigations put in place.
Deal effectively with supplier correspondence, ensuring that messaging is conducted in a fair, transparent and auditable manner.
Lead the delivery of low risk sourcing processes, ensuring compliance with the Authority’s Procurement Policy and Procedures.
Lead the development, planning, and delivery of improvement projects, ensuring effective stakeholder management and compliance with existing contractual requirements.
Adopt a continuous improvement approach to systems and processes to support the development of best practice for wider department benefit.
Plan and implement a risk-based programme of contract compliance audits in conjunction with specialist areas of the organisation such as Internal Audit, Corporate Health and Safety, Corporate Risk, and Information Governance.
Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

Essential Criteria

Demonstrates a positive and proactive approach, with a strong work ethic and a “can‑do” attitude.
Problem‑solving mindset, with the ability to explore alternative solutions that meet internal customer needs.
Detail‑focused, with a strong commitment to accuracy, compliance, and auditability.
Strong relationship-building skills, able to work collaboratively with colleagues across capital delivery, housing development, and project management teams.

Desirable Criteria

Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with solid working knowledge of PowerPoint and Word.
Studying for, or willing to study for, CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) accreditation.
Experience of running low‑value tenders, with a working knowledge of public sector procurement law.
Experience in managing lower‑value contracts, monitoring performance, and mitigating risks.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In March 2026, the Government announced that councils in Greater Essex will be reorganised into five new unitary authorities from April 2028. In addition to this, Greater Essex has been accepted on to the devolution priority programme, where we will work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority. You can read more about these changes, and what this may mean for this role, on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events, and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email daniel.warner@essex.gov.uk

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