Senior Procurement Officer - Business Partner

This is an exciting opportunity to join Dorset Council as a Senior Procurement Officer (Business Partner) and play a key role in shaping procurement strategies that make a real difference to our communities. This role is currently targeted at a Corporate Business Partner position also covering transformation, technology and Our Future Council.

However, it offers flexibility, supporting wider Adults and People procurement where required, and contributing to Corporate and Place priorities as Dorset Council evolves. Candidates will be held in a pool for any further Senior Procurement Officer positions for the next 18 months.

Future reorganisation or transformation within Dorset Council may change the strategic focus of the role, providing you with opportunities to develop new skills and work across diverse projects.

Candidates with a strong track record in public sector procurement, delivering tenders and framework call-offs, will be prioritised for interview as they will be expected to start contributing effectively from day one. You will be responsible for the delivery of the Corporate (or other) category procurement strategy, overseeing a range of complex procurement activities from initiation through to contract management, ensuring services delivered are cost-effective, sustainable, and aligned with the Council's objectives.

What you will be doing:

About you:

Join us to be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team where your expertise will help shape the future, ensuring our procurement practices deliver the best outcomes for our communities. The Commercial & Procurement team is a proactive and consultative team who supports a range of directorates to ensure that the Council's commercial arrangements and contracts deliver value for money to Dorset residents. 

• this advertisement will currently finally close on 16 June
• final applications will be reviewed on 17 June and updates provided to candidates on 19 June.
• applications will also be reviewed as advertised on 9 June
• in person interviews scheduled for 24 and 25 June in Dorchester
• applications will be reviewed as they arrive and decisions made to interview and appoint
• a teams call first round interview may be scheduled for 20 June

Whilst work travel has reduced considerably due to the use of virtual meetings, there may be occasions when travel is needed therefore holding a driving licence is a requirement for this role.

This is a hybrid role, with a balance of remote working and office working (Dorchester), depending on business and project requirements. We also reserve the right to consider a fixed term appointment.

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We: 

• provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents 
• work in partnership to make a real difference 
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities 
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive 

You will: 

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset 
• have access to a range of benefits and support 
• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. 

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application. 

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement. 

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us. 

Find out more about how to apply.