Procurement & Contracts Officer

Location: Penrith, Kendal, Barrow, Hybrid
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract to 31/03/2028

About this opportunity

We are looking to recruit a 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!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. 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 further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

Please note: If the Post Specification for this vacancy states that a UK driving licence is required, non-UK driving licences with entitlement to drive vehicles in the UK will also be accepted.

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Bev Kent, Service Manager Procurement, Beverley.Kent@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 2nd December 2026

Interview date: 7th December 2026

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.

For guidance on the recruitment process, FAQs, and useful tips for completing your application, please visit: Our Approach to Recruitment | Careers

Safer Recruitment

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.