Senior Procurement Officer

Folkestone & Hythe District Council is seeking an experienced procurement specialist to join our Procurement Team at a time of significant opportunity and change. Public Sector experience is advantageous particularly in light of Local Government Reorganisation. This is a critical role, providing specialist support across the organisation with procurement and contract management advice. Its purpose is to ensure procurement activity delivers best value, follows strong governance and risk management, and supports our corporate priorities. Join an organisation where procurement plays a vital strategic role and your work makes a real difference to the local community. Key responsibilities: Advise officers on procurement governance, best practice, and procurement and contractual risk management Lead medium to high‑value and high‑risk corporate procurements Embed social value, innovation and SME / VCSE engagement Maintain contract registers and transparency reporting Deliver procurement training and support across the organisation About you: Minimum CIPS Level 4 qualification or able to demonstrate equivalent expertise Recent experience in a public sector procurement role Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023 Proven experience leading procurements and contract management Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills Strategic, analytical and commercially focused approach Local government experience is desirable but not essential Why Join Folkestone & Hythe District Council? We offer a comprehensive, people focused rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance. Flexible, agile and hybrid working arrangements Generous annual leave: up to 31 days + bank holidays, plus birthday leave and Christmas office closure. Flexi-time scheme to support work-life balance. Local Government Pension Scheme Health & wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme. Reimbursement of professional membership subscriptions Salary sacrifice schemes: cycle to work and lease car options. Corporate discount schemes for shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, days out and more. Great location: centrally based, close to transport links and free office parking. Our Values We’re proud of our positive workplace culture built around four core values: Customer First, One Team, Thinking Ahead and Performance Counts. We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all backgrounds, including disabled applicants and the Armed Forces community Advert closing date: Midnight on 2nd August 2026 Please note: This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. Subject to a high volume of applications, an additional shortlisting exercise may be used. Interviews are due to be held 10th and 11th August. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Mhairi Richards – Procurement Manager: Mhairi.Richards@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk