Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer will play a pivotal role within the Procurement & Supply Chain department, managing procurement processes and ensuring compliance within the public sector. The position can be based from one of the following offices: Peterborough, Cardiff or Aberdeen but does offer a lot of flexibility on location as candidates will only be required to be in the office twice per month.

Client Details

The UK's statutory advisor on issues affecting the natural environment across the UK and internationally. The organisations primary role is advising all four Governments of the UK. They also work with private sector organisations to support decision making on the sustainable use of marine waters and natural resources around the UK. They are led by the Joint Committee, which brings together members from the nature conservation bodies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and independent members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under an independent Chair. Support is provided to the Committee by approx. 270 people who bring together scientific and technical expertise, extensive knowledge of policy at global, European and national levels, and skills in working with other organisations.

Description

• Responsible for leading, shaping, and delivering compliant and innovative procurement across the organisation. This role ensures alignment with government policy, maximises commercial value, and supports the delivery of strategic outcomes through high-quality supplier engagement and contract management.
• The postholder will play a key role in embedding the Procurement Act 2023, championing best practice, and mentoring internal stakeholders in their responsibilities.

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of the procurement strategy in line with Defra group commercial policy.
• Act as the organisation's procurement expert, advising senior management and programme leads on complex or high-risk procurements.
• Ensure full compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, UK Public Contracts Regulations (PCRs), and Cabinet Office guidance.

• Lead the development and implementation of Jthe organisations procurement strategy in line with their policy.
• Act as the organisation's procurement expert, advising senior management and programme leads on complex or high-risk procurements.
• Ensure full compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, UK Public Contracts Regulations (PCRs), and Cabinet Office guidance.

Commercial Governance & Assurance

• Oversee governance of procurement activity, including pipeline reporting, assurance of procurement routes, and contract registers.
• Lead pre-procurement planning, ensuring robust business cases, route-to-market decisions, and early market engagement.
• Implement and manage the organisational Scheme of Delegation for commercial approvals.

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain auditable records and ensure procurements are defensible and transparent.
• Support sustainable procurement, social value, modern slavery, and net zero targets in line with Defra and UK Government policy.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and innovation (e.g., through use of AI or digital tools).

Profile

• Demonstrable experience in public sector procurement, including end-to-end tendering and contract management
• Strong understanding of public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023, and its practical implications
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, provide strategic advice, and deliver training or policy guidance
• Excellent communication and drafting skills, especially in developing procurement documentation, guidance notes, and debrief letters
• Strong analytical and risk assessment capability with a focus on value for money, probity, and audit compliance
• Experience in the production of and review of contracts.

Job Offer

• Competitive salary between 41,525 and 45,525 depending on CIPS status (up to 4k allowance for MCIPS)
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 with service plus 12 days public provelege leave
• Flexible working options (flexitime)
• Excellent hybrid option - only 1-2 days per month required on site (Petebrough, Aberdeen or Cardiff depending on which is closest)
• Civil service pension (28%)

If of interest, please click apply to the advert - CV submission, and a Michael Page consultant will be in touch to discuss in further detail.