Senior Procurement Officer - Business Partner

This role is currently targeted at a Core Services or Environment and Economy Business Partner position with a particular focus on supporting works and capital programmes, alongside leading and delivering large, complex open procurement exercises in line with the Procurement Act 2023. Modernisation, Transformation and Technology are a key focus in line with Dorset Council's vision to become a modern, sustainable unitary council 

It offers flexibility, supporting wider Adults and People procurement where required, and contributing to wider 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 is expected in 2026 which 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 (and withing a local authority setting), 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 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. You will act as a trusted business partner to senior stakeholders, providing commercial advice across the full procurement lifecycle, from early market engagement and strategy development through to contract award and mobilisation. You will bring a proactive, solutions-focused approach to supporting services, balancing commercial innovation with regulatory compliance. You will be confident engaging with stakeholders, managing competing priorities, and delivering outcomes in a complex environment 

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 7 July
• please provide a supporting statement clearly demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description to be demonstrated at application form. Your statement should include specific examples of your public sector procurement experience, including projects you have led or played a significant role in, particularly those involving complex, high-value or programmes
• a teams call first round interview will also include a short presentation topic
• in person interviews will take place in Dorchester
• applications will be reviewed as they arrive on a weekly basis and decisions made to interview and appoint

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact [email protected] or 01305 221250. 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.  You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed. 

This is a hybrid role, with a balance of remote working and office working (Dorchester), depending on business and project requirements. The role supports flexible working, with an expectation of a minimum of two to four office days per month. During the probation period, you will attend the office more regularly to support onboarding and team integration, before moving to the standard pattern. You will also need flexibility to attend in-person meetings as required, reflecting the partnering nature of the role. We also reserve the right to consider a fixed term appointment. Please note that the Council is unlikely to be able to support visa sponsorship for this role. If you are motivated by making a difference and want to be part of a collaborative and ambitious team, we would welcome your application.

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

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 300,000 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
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

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.