Procurement & Supplies Senior Assistant – temporary until 31 March 2027


Location 

North Somerset

Employment Hours 

New Jobs

Employment Type 

Temporary, Contract, Contract

Salary 

£29,542 - £33,119 a year

Job Highlights
  • Manage procurement of goods and services, ensure adherence to financial regulations, and optimise value for money through effective contract management.
  • Ideal candidates will possess substantial experience with pay systems, contract management, and training others; strong analytical skills are crucial.
  • The role is based at Police & Fire HQ in Portishead, offering flexible working hours with a temporary contract until 31 March 2027.
Job Requirements/Description

Do you have experience managing contracts and using pay systems? Then apply to be our Procurement & Supplies Senior Assistant today!

Corporate staff
North Somerset

Post number: 5808-2

Hours: 37 per week or 30 per week

Contract: Until 31 March 2027 with the possibility of extension and/or permanency

Salary: Hay 9 - £29,542 - £33,119 (pro rata if part time)

Closing date: Midday 21 October 2026

Location: Police & Fire HQ, Portishead

Interviews: Week commencing 2 November 2026


Summary of role

As our Procurement & Supplies Senior Assistant you will be responsible for the procurement of goods and services, in order to comply with our financial regulations and achieve value for money.

You will also manage Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s (AFRS) Purchase to Pay system to ensure that requests for goods and services are processed in a timely manner, are costed and coded correctly and adhere to our financial regulations and procurement policy. You will be the subject matter expert on the system, providing training to all levels of staff as required.

The working pattern is to be discussed with the hiring manager however there is some flexibility

Some of the things you’ll be doing

  • Carry out Contract Management, producing reports, arranging meetings and building relationships with stakeholders to ensure we are achieving best value and continuous improvement from our contracts.
  • Manage our Purchase to Pay system.
  • Organise quarterly spot checks and internal audit information.
  • Maintain the Contracts Register, producing published reports for public scrutiny.
  • Assess Key Performance Indicators, highlighting any discrepancies from agreed Service Level Agreements.
  • Schedule essential maintenance and repair of kitchen appliances across the Service.
  • Liaise with Technical Services and Central Stores in order to ensure Contract Management is effective and efficient. Raise any concerns to Suppliers as required.
  • Have a key role during financial year end, liaising with staff at all levels, including budget holders and Finance.
  • Carry out any additional responsibilities as reasonable and appropriate, as agreed with line manager

What we’ll need from you

Essential

  • A-levels or equivalent qualification.
  • IT literate with thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel to interpret and present data.
  • Knowledge of Purchase to Pay systems.
  • A current driving licence or ability to arrange suitable alternative transport to travel to various work locations.
  • Considerable recent experience (eg at least three years) in a purchasing environment.
  • Experience developing and delivering appropriate training and support to system users.
  • Experience representing the organisation at working groups or similar
  • Confident communicator across all formats and with the various stakeholders.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to spot mistakes and willingness to find solutions.
  • Able to manage conflicting priorities whilst continuing to achieve targets and deadlines, including the ability to plan, prioritise and organise own workload.
  • Willingness to accept and work to our Core Values during the course of employment.

Desirable

  • A relevant degree.
  • Contract Management experience.
  • Experience writing business cases and reports for management

What you can expect in return

  • 25 days annual holiday (plus public holidays) rising to 29 days after 5 years, and 30 days after 10 years of service
  • Local Government Pension – Defined Benefit Scheme
  • Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Welfare and Wellbeing services
  • Staff Networks
  • Access to Westfield Health Supplementary Healthcare package.
  • Access to Blue Light card with offers online and high street discounts
  • Use of the multi-gym, sports hall, restaurant, free parking and beautiful open surroundings at our Headquarters in Portishead.

How to apply


If you experience any issues with the application or require a paper version please contact recruitment@avonfire.gov.uk . Late applications and any applications with no supporting statement will not be accepted. Please quote job reference number 5808-2 on any communications. Thank you.

With effect from July 2023 legislation was amended to enable all Fire & Rescue Services to undertake standard DBS checks for all employees. All job roles require a standard DBS check, with certain defined roles requiring an enhanced check. These will be renewed throughout employment.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service is committed to securing equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all members of our community who are currently under-represented at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, particularly women, Disabled people and members of ethnic minority communities.

Additional reading

It is important for you to familiarise yourself with our work at Avon FRS and the framework we follow. Please see some resources below for you to read and explore:

Core Code Of Ethics – NFCC

Our mission, vision and values – Avon Fire and Rescue Service

Safeguarding policy – Avon Fire and Rescue Service

Location 

North Somerset

Employment Hours 

New Jobs

Employment Type 

Temporary, Contract, Contract

Salary 

£29,542 - £33,119 a year

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