Job Title
Procurement Officer
Service Area
STAR Procurement – Strategy & Resources Directorate
Team
Delivery Team
Reports To
Category Manager
Direct Reports
None
Job Purpose
To support the delivery of effective, compliant, and value-driven procurement services for STAR Procurement’s partner councils. The role supports Category Managers in delivering procurement projects that achieve best value, efficiency, savings, social value, and compliance with public sector procurement regulations.
The Procurement Officer will support the full procurement lifecycle, including market engagement, tender preparation, supplier evaluation, contract award, and contract management activities. The role provides an opportunity to develop procurement expertise through practical experience and completion of CIPS qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Support & Delivery
- Support the delivery of procurement projects in line with public sector procurement legislation, council policies, and Contract Procedure Rules.
- Assist Category Managers with the planning and delivery of procurement exercises.
- Support the preparation of tender documentation, specifications, evaluation criteria, and procurement reports.
- Manage procurement activities through e-tendering systems, ensuring information is accurate and deadlines are met.
- Coordinate supplier communications, events, presentations, and evaluation activities.
- Support tender evaluation processes and ensure procurement decisions are properly documented.
Supplier & Stakeholder Management
- Develop effective working relationships with internal council departments, suppliers, contractors, and external partners.
- Provide professional and responsive support throughout the procurement process.
- Assist with supplier relationship management and contract performance monitoring.
- Communicate procurement information clearly through written reports, meetings, and correspondence.
Commercial Analysis & Value for Money
- Gather and analyse procurement and spend information to support sourcing decisions.
- Carry out benchmarking activities to compare costs, suppliers, and market opportunities.
- Support the identification and delivery of savings, efficiencies, local spend opportunities, social value, and compliance improvements.
- Challenge requirements where appropriate to ensure value for money is achieved.
Contract Management & Reporting
- Support the maintenance of contract registers and procurement records.
- Assist with contract management activities, including monitoring supplier performance and reporting.
- Support the preparation of procurement reports, award reports, and documentation for governance processes.
- Assist with procurement audits and continuous improvement activities.
Process Improvement & Development
- Contribute to improving procurement processes, systems, and ways of working.
- Record and follow up actions to support service improvements.
- Share learning and support best practice across the procurement team.
- Continue professional development through training and CIPS qualifications.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Understanding of procurement principles and the procurement lifecycle.
- Awareness of public sector procurement legislation, regulations, and best practice.
- Experience working with stakeholders and supporting projects.
- Ability to analyse information and use data to support decisions.
- Experience using IT systems, databases, and procurement platforms.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Desirable
- Experience working within a procurement, commercial, contracts, or purchasing environment.
- Experience supporting tender processes and supplier management.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement procedures.
- Experience using e-procurement systems.
- Understanding of category management and sourcing strategies.
Qualifications & Professional Development
Essential
- Level 3 qualification or equivalent.
- GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.
- Willingness to work towards CIPS qualifications (Commercial Procurement and Supply Level 4 onwards).
Desirable
- CIPS Level 4 qualification or above.
- Working towards CIPS Level 5/6 professional qualifications.
Skills & Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Communication Skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to produce clear written documentation and reports.
Organisation & Planning
- Ability to manage workloads, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Analytical Skills
- Ability to review information, identify trends, and support evidence-based decisions.
Commercial Awareness
- Understanding of value for money, supplier markets, and cost considerations.
Customer Focus
- Commitment to providing excellent service to council partners and stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement
- Ability to identify opportunities to improve processes and services.
Working Arrangements
- Hybrid/agile working approach, including home and office-based working.
- Ability and willingness to work across different locations and partner organisations within Greater Manchester.
- Occasional travel required to support STAR Procurement activities.
Role Summary
The Procurement Officer plays a key role in supporting STAR Procurement’s delivery of professional procurement services. Working alongside Category Managers and procurement colleagues, the postholder helps councils achieve value for money, compliance, savings, and wider social benefits through effective purchasing and supplier management.
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