Procurement Officer

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Procurement Officer to provide professional, proactive procurement support and guidance across the Force. Working closely with the Force Procurement Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring value for money, compliance with legislation, and the effective use of departmental resources.

This is a dynamic and influential role within a busy procurement environment, requiring strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills and the ability to lead complex, high‑value procurement projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage diverse, complex tendering exercises in line with WTO Directives and Public Contract Regulations, ensuring full compliance with legislation and Contract Standing Orders.
• Negotiate, construct and manage high‑value procurement contracts that meet customer requirements and deliver best value.
• Provide expert advice to budget holders and senior managers on tendering procedures, financial regulations and procurement legislation.
• Proactively manage complex contracts, identifying opportunities for savings, efficiencies and improved value for money.
• Analyse spend data, identify patterns and contribute to future procurement spend reduction initiatives.
• Maintain accurate contract information on systems including Oracle Fusion, e‑tendering platforms and national procurement databases.
• Support the Force Procurement Manager with high‑value or technically complex projects, including liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the Force at regional and national procurement meetings and lead on initiatives as required.
• Produce clear, evidence‑based reports to support recommendations to senior leaders and decision‑making forums.
• Ensure all relevant Health & Safety responsibilities, including risk assessments, are fulfilled in line with statutory obligations.

Knowledge & Experience

• CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma and/or significant experience managing complex, high‑value procurement projects.
• Proven track record of leading high‑level procurement activities within a large and complex organisation.
• Ability to deputise for the Force Procurement Manager at regional and national forums.
• Strong experience managing tender processes, including portal management, evaluation and moderation with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to provide consultancy‑level procurement advice, including on complex tender evaluations.
• Skilled in generating accurate reports and statistics using ICT systems.
• Experience mentoring and supporting unqualified or part‑qualified team members.
• In‑depth knowledge of:
  • European Procurement Directives
  • Public Contract Regulations
  • Health & Safety legislation
  • Force Contract Standing Orders
  • Financial Regulations and Instructions
• Significant experience drafting, negotiating and managing complex tenders and contracts.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to work effectively with contractors, tenderers, police officers and police staff.

Important Notes

• Staff currently in the internal re‑deployment pool will be considered first.

• This vacancy may be withdrawn without notice.

• You must meet all minimum skills and qualification criteria at the time of application. Certificates must be provided; expected grades cannot be accepted.

Application Guidance

Use the attached JDQ and Leadership Framework when preparing your 1,000-word supporting evidence.
Click here for the full JDQ
Click here for the Leadership Framework

A Note on Using Artificial Intelligence

AI tools can help with research and refining ideas, but your application must reflect your own skills and experience.

• Use AI for spell-checking or condensing word counts.

• Do not copy and paste AI-generated answers. We want to hear about you.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality & Inclusion

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from women and candidates from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Our Outreach Team is available to support candidates from under‑represented groups throughout the recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments, please let us know.

Contact: Outreach@merseyside.police.uk