Procurement Apprentice Buying and Contract Management

Job Description

Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, and has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC anticipated change was needed in the public sector and has worked to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda - one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong. Were immensely proud of our flexible working options.Would you like to start a career in procurement and contract managementOur apprenticeship programme will give you an opportunity to work in the busy procurement team on a variety of projects. You will be working with team members and learning how to buy services and manage contracts and suppliers. You will be assisting with development, planning and delivery of procurement projects covering a diverse range of subjects but with a focus on technology services. You will support contract management activity including supplier performance analysis, attend meetings and deal with issues. You will attend college or be learning around one day a week, with this you will be supported to learn in the workplace with practical experience.Learning outcomes will be:* You will understand commercial processes and understand category, sourcing and contract management practice.* You will understand how an organisations money is spent in the context of procurement and supply, including the organisations rules about how money is spent.* The difference between public and private sector procurement life-cycles and how they fit into the organisations structure.* Pre procurement and early market engagement.* Show understanding of the market, regulatory environment, supplier and service landscape before beginning the tendering process. Whilst knowing about the ability to utilise market and commodity intelligence, including supplier innovation, customer requirement and how the use of internal and external data can support the development of a robust business case.* Cost and pricing models and commercial concepts and how they influence supplier/customer behaviours. * Financial awareness that enables a focus on achieving efficiencies and continuous improvement.* Recognise business needs that shape decisions, for example financial restrictions or time requirements. Show how such business objectives are articulated in procurement specifications using a set of appropriate tools/techniques e.g. LEAN sourcing.* The principles and purpose of commercial contracting and how contract terms, conditions and obligations affect delivery and supplier performance.* Sourcing and contract/supplier management.What are we looking forWe are looking for a bright, ambitious and enthusiastic individual, educated to A level standard with an appetite for learning. Youll need a good academic track record, excellent organisational and attention to detail as well as great communication skills. You will need to demonstrate your ability to work to deadlines and have the confidence through your excellent written and verbal communication skills to work with people at all levels and to maintain strong working relationships.Our apprenticeship is a 2 year fixed term contract where you will work towards the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPs), apprenticeship accreditation: If you are looking to start a new career in contract management, this could be the perfect place to start.As part of your application, please include a supporting statement which should include: * Why you are looking to pursue a career within procurement and contract management (answer in max. 300 words) * What skills and attributes you can bring to Essex County Council (answer in max.300 words) * Why do you want to work for Essex County Council (answer in max.300 words)Qualification certificates should be brought to interview.As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. More information can be found on Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.If you have any queries regarding this role, or require anything further, please contact the Essex Recruitment Team on Required skills

appetite for learning

Ambitious & enthusiastic

educated to A level standard

excellent organisational skills & attention to detail

Keyskills :
appetite f learning Ambitious enthusiastic educated to A level standard excellent ganisational skills attention to detail