Interim Senior Procurement Officer (Highways)

Interim Senior Procurement Officer - Highways and Transport

Location: Hybrid (minimum 2 days in office per week)
Contract: Interim - 3 months
Day Rate: Competitive (Inside IR35)
Start Date: Immediate

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Interim Procurement Officer to lead urgent and complex procurements. This role will support the delivery of high-value contracts for public and school transport as well as operational highway contracts. The primary purpose of the recruitment is a skilled procurement officer with an understanding of local government procurement with a Place context. This supports the strategic procurements including: school transport contracts, public transport contracts, highway framework contracts for subcontractor resource and a highway service contract for operational delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement processes for transport and highway contracts.

• Ensure all procurement activity complies with UK public procurement regulations, the Procurement Act 2023, and local authority standing orders.

• Prepare tender documentation, support supplier engagement, and oversee evaluation and award processes.

• Advise internal stakeholders on procurement strategy, risk management, and contract compliance.

• Support the development and delivery of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems.

• Maintain accurate records for audit and governance purposes.

• Provide expert guidance to internal teams

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in public sector procurement, ideally within a local authority setting.

• Strong knowledge of UK procurement legislation and contract forms (NEC).

• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects under tight deadlines.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.

• Immediate availability and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.

Desirable

• MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification.

• Familiarity with e-tendering platforms and contract management systems.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid working model (minimum 2 days in office per week).

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.