Contracts Officer

We are now seeking an experienced and driven Contracts Officer to lead and manage all aspects of our contracting and contract management activity. This is a key role within the Port Health team, ensuring that contracts are compliant, high performing, value for money, and aligned with governance and procurement regulations. If you thrive on building strong partnerships, driving performance, and making complex processes work smoothly – we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full contracting lifecycle – from specification and procurement through to monitoring, renewal, and improvement.
• Act as the subject matter expert for SCPHA on all contracting matters.
• Be the primary point of contact between suppliers, customers, and internal teams.
• Monitor performance against KPIs, identifying and resolving non-conformances quickly and effectively.
• Work closely with Procurement, Legal and Finance colleagues to ensure full compliance with legislation and Council procedures.
• Prepare and present reports (including Cabinet-level reports where required).
• Manage and monitor contract budgets, ensuring value for money.
• Drive continuous improvement through performance benchmarking and data-led reporting.
• Support smooth transition of new contracts into business as usual delivery.
• Report directly to the Port Health Business Manager.

Qualifications

• A proven track record in procurement and contract management.
• Strong understanding of Local Government procurement processes.
• Experience in contract negotiation, specification, performance management and resolving deviations.
• Budget monitoring and financial awareness.
• Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders and service users.
• Degree level (Level 6) qualification or equivalent technical experience in a contract-related field.

Skills and Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Confident communicator who can influence at all levels.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Commercially aware with strong business acumen.
• Skilled in stakeholder management and relationship building.
• Able to deliver complex projects within deadlines and budgets.
• Strong report writing and IT skills.

Benefits

• Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays).
• Local government pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
• Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.

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