Procurement and Contract Officer

If you’re looking to build your career in procurement and want to make a real impact in a forward-thinking local authority, we’d love to hear from you.

Procurement and Contract Officer - WMF3054e

Location: Penrith, Kendal, Barrow, Hybrid with opportunity to work from Carlisle.

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract to 31/03/2028

About this opportunity

We are looking to recruit three Procurement and Contract Officers to join our busy and expanding Procurement and Contract Management team. These roles have been created to support the delivery of the Council’s Procurement Improvement Programme, helping to strengthen procurement governance, ensure compliance with legislation, and improve consistency and value across our services. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a developing function, supporting a wide range of procurements and contracts that directly impact frontline services across the Council.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support the delivery of procurement exercises, including RFQs and tender processes, in line with legislation and Council procedures
• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues across services on procurement and contract management activities
• Contribute to the development of specifications, KPIs, and contract documentation
• Monitor supplier performance, including KPI tracking and compliance checks
• Support contract management activity, including performance reporting and issue escalation
• Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external providers
• Support market engagement and supplier development activities
• Ensure accurate procurement records and use of e-procurement systems

Why This Role Matters

These are key roles in supporting the Council to strengthen compliance with procurement legislation, reduce regulatory risk, deliver the Procurement Improvement Programme, improve service consistency, and maintain service continuity across a complex organisation.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for innovative and creative individuals with skills, knowledge, and experience in procurement, who want to make a difference. To be successful in the role you must have:

• Experience or knowledge of procurement and/or contract management processes
• An understanding of tendering, specifications, and performance management
• Strong organisational and analytical skills
• The ability to build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Good communication skills and attention to detail
• The desire and ability to work collaboratively to effect change

A relevant qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3 in Procurement or equivalent experience) is desirable.

These are high-profile roles and will provide you with the opportunity to work alongside a range of people, both within the Council and from other agencies and key stakeholder groups

What can we offer you!

For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Would you like to find out more?

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, then please contact Bev Kent, Service Manager Procurement, ***email_hidden***.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 30/06/2026

Interview date: 16/07/2026