Interim Senior Procurement Officer – Highways and Transport

Interim Senior Procurement Officer - Highways and Transport

Dorchester, United Kingdom | Posted on 30/07/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries.

These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Purpose

To lead the delivery of complex, high-value procurement activities within the Highways and Transport service, ensuring compliant, efficient, and value-driven procurement processes. The role will focus on the procurement of school transport and public transport contracts, providing expert procurement advice to stakeholders while ensuring compliance with public sector legislation and supporting the delivery of strategic procurement objectives.

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes for school transport and public transport contracts.
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with the Procurement Act 2023, UK public procurement regulations, and local authority standing orders.
• Prepare tender documentation, manage supplier engagement, and oversee evaluation and contract award processes.
• Provide expert procurement advice to internal stakeholders on procurement strategy, contract compliance, and risk management.
• Support the development and implementation of procurement frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems.
• Maintain accurate procurement records to meet governance, audit, and compliance requirements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Manage multiple procurement projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery within agreed timescales.
• Support continuous improvement of procurement practices and processes across the Highways and Transport service.

• Proven experience in public sector procurement, ideally within a Local Government environment.
• Previous experience procuring school transport and public transport contracts is essential.
• Strong knowledge of UK public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023.
• Working knowledge of NEC contract forms.
• Experience managing complex, high-value procurement projects from inception to contract award.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under tight deadlines.
• Experience using e-tendering platforms and contract management systems is desirable.
• MCIPS qualification or equivalent is desirable.
• Ability to attend the Dorset Council office a minimum of two days per week.

• Location: Hybrid working - minimum of 2 days per week in the Dorset Council office (some flexibility for the right candidate).