Job Description
Drive value, fairness, and innovation in public spending.
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Help us make every pound count for Gateshead.
Working with the Service Director, Financial Management, directorates across the Council, and our external partners, the service is key in shaping and delivering procurement strategies that underpin the Council’s long-term financial resilience.
As part of the Financial Management service, procurement lead the development and implementation of approaches that are aligned with the Council’s overarching objectives, ensuring that every pound spent contributes to better outcomes for residents. By embedding strategic procurement practices, the service ensures value for money, ethical sourcing, and sustainable supply chains that support local economic growth and social value.
Through strategic leadership and collaborative working, the service ensures that procurement is not just a transactional function, but a key enabler of the Council’s ambitions for its communities.
Be at the heart of strategic sourcing and supplier innovation.
Make a real difference in how public money is spent and the impact it has on local communities. As a Procurement Officer, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality, compliant and value-driven procurement across the Council. From shaping strategies and leading tender exercises to building strong supplier relationships and embedding social value, you’ll help ensure every contract delivers maximum benefit for Gateshead residents. Working collaboratively with services and stakeholders, you’ll use your expertise and insight to drive efficiency, innovation and continuous improvement in everything we procure.
What you'll get to do:
- Managing end-to-end procurement activity including tenders, quotations and contract awards
- Working with services to develop specifications and procurement strategies
- Leading market engagement and building strong supplier relationships
- Ensuring compliance with procurement legislation and Council procedures
- Coordinating evaluation processes and supporting decision-making
- Monitoring and analysing spend to identify opportunities for savings and efficiency
- Supporting contract management, performance monitoring and continuous improvement
- Embedding social value, sustainability and community benefits into procurement
What you'll bring:
- Experience in a procurement or similar role (public sector desirable)
- A good understanding of procurement legislation and processes
- Holds (or is working towards) a relevant qualification such as CIPS Level 4
- Strong organisational skills and can manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Clear, confident communication confidently with a wide range of stakeholders
- Analytical skills to be able to use data to inform decisions
- Proactive, resilient and able to work to tight deadlines
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.