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Contracts Officer

Employing force: Cambridgeshire (Can be based anywhere within the 7 Force region).

Grade: ​Cambridgeshire - SO1

Salary:​ £29,046 - £33,732 per annum

Annual leave: 23 days, increasing to 28 days after 5 years

District / Department: 7 Force Procurement Department

Location: Dependent on appointment

Reporting to: 7F Category Manager

Duration: Permanent

Purpose of the Role

Assist in the rolling out of contract management processes and methodology (with supporting tools) to enable client/budget holders responsible out in the business to perform their role.

Ensure (under direction when required) that robust and appropriate contract management activity is undertake on designated list of contracts.  (This includes monitoring of risk, adherence to contractual Terms and Conditions, that performance is in-line with agreed KPI’s and that opportunities to leverage savings on both parties is achieved.)

Main Responsibilities 

  • Lead on the training of local business stakeholders to ensure best practice contract management methodology is established across the 7 forces; ensuring that all contracts and arrangements are operated in accordance with relevant Public Contract Regulations 2015 embodying EU Procurement legislation and the Social Value Act 2012 and best practice, OPCC Regulations and obligations and are cost effective and meet overarching force requirements.

  • Undertake contract management activities with key suppliers, promoting innovation and ensuring best value is achieved, as well as addressing and enforcing remedial action for poor performance.  Liaise and work with the relevant Category team members as required.

  • Ensure that the 7 Forces are recognised as the supplier’s priority customer by demonstrating efficiency, trust, commitment and flexibility (where appropriate) to the supplier in order for the 7 Forces to obtain the required Goods and Services promptly and for the supplier to allocate the required resources.

  • Produce and communicate relevant management information for designated contracts showing performance against contractual agreements they are assigned, and help develop where necessary, new systems to enable timely and accurate information. Contribute to ethos of continuous improvement across all teams within the Commercial Delivery work-stream.

  • Assist in monitoring the comprehensive commercial risk register on the key strategic suppliers across the 7 Forces.  This is to include monitoring financial market performance and horizon scanning across sectors and major suppliers which may impact any existing or future commercial relationships.

  • Explore, identify and apply innovative contract management approaches for the delivery of projects.

  • Monitor contract spend for those contracts which fall within the remit of the commercial delivery team, highlighting any risks to compliance and ensuring that contractual payment mechanisms are carefully monitored and report any deviances or concerns to the Head of Commercial Delivery.

  • Design and develop tools and processes to support contract management activity across the Forces.  This will include a comprehensive suite of contract management templates as well as implementing and monitoring processes and practices to ensure contract management activities evolve and improve in line with national best practice.

Necessary Experience

Skills and abilities:

  • Good analytical skills to align procurement solutions with customer needs.

  • Strong commercial acumen.

  • Have a good understanding of contract management best-practice and how to apply it.

  • Good negotiating, influencing, interpersonal and communication skills, as are essential to the role.

  • Provide innovative thinking and impetus to help drive through change and develop and enhance an integrated commercial and contract management function across the seven forces.

  • Good verbal and written communication skills.

  • Good interpersonal skills and confidence to liaise successfully with staff/officers of all levels and external individuals, and to influence stakeholders within the 7 Forces and external organisations.

  • Good organisational, time management and project management skills in order to ensure delivery of results to agreed deadlines.

  • Ability to travel as required throughout the 7 Forces.

Qualifications / Education / Training: 

  • The post holder will hold CIPS Level 5 in-line with the CIPS structure guidance or be able to clearly evidence equivalent levels of experience, technical knowledge and expertise by having worked as a contract management procurement professional for a complex, public sector organisation. (Essential)

Work Experience and Knowledge:

  • At least 5 years’ experience in category management (Essential)

  • The post holder will be able to demonstrate good experience of procurement and commercial management in contracts of significant value across a broad category range and worked for a complex public sector organisation. (Essential)

  • Good knowledge and understanding of contract law and the application of EU Public Procurement Regulations and legislation is essential, as well as preparing specifications and of preparing and evaluating tenders, including those operating under framework arrangements and EU directives. (Essential)

  • Good experience of translating business needs into commercial procurement strategies that drive enhanced business outcomes for the organisations as a whole. (Essential)

  • Procurement experience with a blue light organisation (Desirable)

Competency and Values Framework for Policing

Values

 

Impartiality:

I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.

 

Integrity:

I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.

 

Public Service:

I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyone involved in delivering services.

Transparency:

I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.

Behaviours

Analyse Critically:

Level 2 - I ensure that the best available evidence from a wide range of sources is taken into account when making decisions. I think about different perspectives and motivations when reviewing information and how this may influence key points. I ask incisive questions to test out facts and assumptions, questioning and challenging the information provided when necessary. I understand when to balance decisive action with due consideration. I recognise patterns, themes and connections between several and diverse sources of information and the best available evidence. I identify when I need to take action on the basis of limited information and think about how to mitigate the risks in doing so. I challenge others to ensure that decisions are made in alignment with our mission, values and the Code of Ethics.

 

Collaborative:

Level 2 - I manage relationships and partnerships for the long term, sharing information and building trust to find the best solutions. I help create joined-up solutions across organisational and geographical boundaries, partner organisations and those the police serve. I understand the local partnership context, helping me to use a range of tailored steps to build support. I work with our partners to decide who is best placed to take the lead on initiatives. I try to anticipate our partners' needs and take action to address these. I do not make assumptions. I check that our partners are getting what they need from the police service. I build commitment from others (including the public) to work together to deliver agreed outcomes.

Deliver, Support and Inspire:

Level 2 - I give clear direction and expectations, helping others to understand how their work operates in the wider context. I identify barriers that inhibit performance in my teams and take steps to resolve these, enabling others to perform. I lead the public and / or colleagues, where appropriate, during incidents or through the provision of advice and support. I ensure the efficient use of resources to create the most value and the right impact within my areas. I keep track of changes in the external environment, anticipating both the short and long term potential implications for the Police Service. I motivate and inspire others to achieve their best.

Emotionally Aware:

Level 2 - I consider the perspectives of people from a wide range of backgrounds before taking action. I adapt my style and approach according to the needs of the people I am working with, using my own behaviour to achieve the best outcome. I promote a culture that values diversity and encourages challenge. I encourage reflective practice among others and take the time to support others to understand reactions and behaviours. I take responsibility for helping to ensuring the emotional well-being of those in my teams. I take the responsibility to deal with any inappropriate behaviours.

Innovative and Open-minded:

Level 2 - I explore a number of different sources of information and use a variety of tools when faced with a problem and look for good practice that is not always from policing. I am able to spot opportunities or threats which may influence how I go about my job in the future by using knowledge of trends, new thinking about policing and changing demographics in the population. I am flexible in my approach, changing my plans to make sure that I have the best impact. I encourage others to be creative and take appropriate risks. I share my explorations and understanding of the wider internal and external environment.

Take Ownership:

Level 2 - I proactively create a culture of ownership within my areas of work and support others to display personal responsibility. I take responsibility for making improvements to policies, processes and procedures, actively encouraging others to contribute their ideas. I am accountable for the decisions my team make and the activities within our teams. I take personal responsibility for seeing events through to a satisfactory conclusion and for correcting any problems both promptly and openly. I actively encourage and support learning within my teams and colleagues.

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