Procurement & Contracts Specialist

Help Shape the Future of Procurement in Local GovernmentAre you an experienced public sector procurement professional looking for your next challenge?Surrey Heath Borough Council is seeking an experienced Procurement & Contracts Specialist to join a friendly, supportive and ambitious Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-quality procurement across a wide range of goods, services and works, while helping shape the future of procurement as local government undergoes significant transformation. You'll join a collaborative organisation that values innovation, excellent customer service and making a real difference to the communities it serves. With hybrid working (2 days in the Camberley office and 3 days working from home), you'll benefit from flexibility alongside a supportive team environment.About the Role As Procurement & Contracts Specialist, you'll lead and support end-to-end procurement activity across the Council, providing expert advice and guidance to colleagues while ensuring compliance with procurement legislation and best practice. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing end-to-end procurement and tender exercises for Goods, Services and Works.
• Leading procurement projects through an electronic eSourcing portal.
• Developing sourcing strategies and category management plans.
• Preparing procurement documentation including specifications, Invitations to Tender, evaluation criteria and pricing schedules.
• Conducting spend analysis and identifying opportunities for savings and efficiencies.
• Negotiating contracts and supporting supplier relationship and performance management.
• Providing procurement advice and training across the organisation.
• Working closely with Legal, Finance and service teams to deliver compliant, innovative and value-for-money procurement solutions.
• Promoting social value, sustainability and collaborative procurement opportunities.

About You We're looking for someone who can bring both technical procurement expertise and excellent stakeholder management skills.

To be successful, you'll have:

• Proven UK public sector procurement experience, ideally within Local Government.
• A strong understanding of the Procurement Act 2023 and its practical application.
• Experience managing end-to-end tendering exercises using an electronic eSourcing portal.
• Experience developing procurement strategies and managing competitive tender processes.
• Excellent knowledge of procurement legislation, governance and best practice.
• Strong negotiation, communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to manage multiple procurement projects while providing trusted advice to stakeholders across the organisation.

Why Join Surrey Heath Borough Council?Surrey Heath is committed to delivering excellent services through meaningful community engagement, innovation and collaboration. Its people are at the heart of everything it does, and the Council offers a supportive culture where your ideas and expertise are valued. Local Government Reorganisation From April 2027, Surrey Heath Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey Unitary Council as part of one of the most significant local government reorganisations in decades. Joining the Council now gives you the opportunity to help shape the future of procurement within a larger organisation while gaining invaluable experience during this exciting period of change. Most employees are expected to transfer to the new authority on their existing terms and conditions, creating even greater opportunities for career development and progression.BenefitsSurrey Heath Borough Council offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Hybrid working (2 office days / 3 home working days)
• Minimum 23 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after five years' service, plus Bank Holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free employee parking
• Payment of one professional membership
• Subsidised gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Kaarp employee discounts on shopping, supermarkets, holidays and cinema tickets
• Laptop and mobile phone (where applicable)
• A welcoming, supportive team committed to your development

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can apply your procurement expertise, influence strategic procurement decisions and contribute to the future of local government, we'd love to hear from you.Closing Date: Monday 30th JuneInterviews: Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th JulyLocation: Surrey Heath House, Knoll Road, Camberley (Hybrid Working - 2 days in the office, 3 days from home) This recruitment campaign is being managed by an external recruitment agency - Morgan Law - who are dedicated to promoting an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. Kindly note that all applications must be submitted via Morgan Law. CVs sent directly to Surrey Heath Borough Council will not be considered.