Contract Officer Catering

Join to apply for the Contract Officer Catering role at East Sussex County Council
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Do you want to be part of an exciting and vibrant contract team? This role offers a unique opportunity to deliver our school meals catering contract to schools across the county, can support and shape the offer, and combines in person and hybrid working!

The Contract Officer role sits within the Business Services department, which helps ensure the Council can provide its whole range of services effectively. This role is part of the Contracts Team which is made up of several service lines and delivers vital services to schools, academies and corporate sites.

You will be working in a close‑knit team where client satisfaction is at the heart of what we do. The role is varied and requires a hybrid style of working, visiting sites, working from home and office‑based duties.

The Contract Officer is responsible for assisting the Senior Contract Officer in the operational management of contracted facilities services, building sound professional relationships with clients, stakeholders and suppliers, and monitoring supplier performance through effective contract management processes.

The Contract Officer will provide, under supervision and direction from the Senior Contracts Officer, operational management on contracted facilities services typically covering a particular specialism or group of similar contracts, whilst working closely with service providers to ensure services are delivered at all times in line with contractual and customer expectations.

• Communication skills with the ability to produce detailed written reports on technical matters for a broad audience, using influencing and negotiation skills
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point
• Ability to build sound relationships with customers
• Administrative, organisational and analytical skills

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will use your Supporting Statement to shortlist, so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.

Interviews will take place in person at County Hall, Lewes on 22 January 2026. If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

This role offers flexibility, hybrid working and an opportunity to support schools within the county of East Sussex, and make a positive contribution to how FM contract services are delivered.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

Vocational Training through Apprenticeships is now available to our staff, ranging from entry level to degree level qualifications. You can talk to the hiring manager and the apprenticeship team about what qualifications would be relevant to you and this job role, and if it is possible to support you in apprenticeship training.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Leah Morrall, Contracts Manager for Catering at le to request a MS Teams call or phone call.

For putting your skills to good use, choose East Sussex!

Additional Information:
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services. For further information about what is required in this process please go to  Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term‑time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.

• Entry level

• Contract

• Management and Manufacturing

• Government Administration