Interim Senior Procurement Officer – Highways and Transport – AR

Interim Senior Procurement Officer – Highways and Transport

Must be able to travel to Dorset Council (2 days a week in the office) some flexibility for the right candidate..

Previous local government experience essential with working knowledge within School Transport Contracts and Public Transport Contracts.

About Us

Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities within Dorset Council. Our service is built on our values of being ethical, trustworthy and caring, with profits returned to our Local Authority shareholders.

Location: Hybrid (2 days in office per week – some negotiation)
Contract: Interim – 3 months – 37 hours a week
Day Rate: £500 a day 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. 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement processes school transport contracts, public transport 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).