Senior Procurement Officer - Highways & Transport

Overview

Dorset Council are seeking an experienced Interim Senior Procurement Officer to lead urgent and complex procurements within Highways and Transport
. This role will support the delivery of high-value transport and highway contracts, including school transport, public transport, and operational highways services.

Set-up: Hybrid – 2-days on-site

Rate: £500/day via umbrella inside IR35

Duration: Initial 3-6 month, subject to extension

Hours: Full-time position

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes for high-value highways and transport contracts, including school and public transport
• Ensure all procurement activity is fully compliant with UK public procurement regulations, the Procurement Act 2023, and local authority standing orders
• Develop procurement strategies, prepare tender documentation, and manage supplier engagement, evaluation, and contract award
• Provide expert procurement advice to internal stakeholders on risk, governance, and contract compliance (including NEC contracts)
• Support the development and delivery of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems, maintaining robust audit and governance records

• Significant experience in public sector procurement,
  with previous local government experience essential
• Strong working knowledge of UK procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023, and NEC contract forms
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex procurements under tight timescales and competing priorities
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills within a Place-based or transport context
• Immediate availability and flexibility to work on a hybrid basis, with regular travel to Dorset Council offices