Procurement Support Officer Fixed Term, Full Time Up to £26,535 per annum Location: Chelmsford This role will be filled on a hybrid basis. This means you can work remotely part of the working week with an expectation to attend the office at least 1 day per week. Any journeys to the office would be at your own expense. More specific details about this can be discussed at the interview stage should you be invited to interview. Please note that this is a fixed term contract / secondment opportunity for a period of 12 months. Are you looking for a role where your input can shape and redefine the future? This is an exciting opportunity for a graduate or 6th form school leaver who is looking to experience the world of work within a fast paced procurement team. The ask is simple, come ready to support, be a team player and add value to each task at hand. If that is you, then read on! Job Purpose Essex County Council are looking to recruit a procurement Support officer to join their driven, ambitious, and collaborative team. You will be required to support the Procurement function in various aspects, including managing and fielding supplier queries, supporting market engagement events, and providing contract administration. The Procurement Support Officer will also support the delivery of research and analysis which informs category plans and potential improvements to the management of suppliers and markets. The ideal candidate will seek opportunities to remove waste, implement technologies and automate processes within existing contractual restrictions. You will have excellent analytical skills to explore alternative solutions which meet customer requirements and a can-do attitude. Although this is a fixed term role it will give the grounding for a future career pathway and you will benefit from training and development throughout the year. Accountabilities Assist on the delivery and development of contract and supplier amendment and update processes including, contract novation, price uplifts and on boarding new suppliers to ECC, liaising with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate. Deliver robust research and analysis to support the team to ensure category plans are up to date and the management of suppliers and markets meet client needs. Deal effectively with supplier correspondence, ensuring that messaging is conducted in a fair, transparent and auditable manner. Support the delivery of low risk sourcing processes, ensuring compliance with the Authority's Procurement Policy and Procedures. Aid the development, planning and delivery of improvement projects, ensuring effective stakeholder management and compliance with existing contractual requirements. Adopt a continuous improvement approach to systems and processes to support the development of best practice for wider department benefit. Facilitate on reporting requirements with particular focus on performance management, risk management and corporate measures. Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework. The Experience You Will Bring Essential: Educated to 'A' Level standard and/or qualification by experience of working in a commercial environment. Excellent in the use of Microsoft Excel. Solid working knowledge of PowerPoint and MS Word. Appreciation of working in a political environment and an ability to understand and respond to different perspectives. Strong communication; verbal, written and presentation skills. Desirable: Strong customer focus with a drive to provide a valued service. A positive attitude: a 'can do' approach, good work ethic and willingness to learn Interest in pursuing a career in procurement and either studying for or wishing to study for CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) accreditation.