Procurement Officer 1 Year FTC

A Clare based Organisation has an excellent position available for a Procurement Officer on a One Year Fixed Term Contract. Reporting to Senior Management, the Procurement Officer is a middle management position within the Organisation, and is responsible for implementing procurement policy and strategy, coordinating procurement practices to ensure compliance, minimise risk and maximising savings and benefits. The Procurement Officer is one of two primary points of contact who liaise with operational budget holders and departments in relation to all operational matters for procurement services and is expected to perform their duties with an understanding of the political context of local government and in such a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making. Roles and Responsibilities:Ensure the Procurement Plan is developed and implemented in full by the prescribed dates. Have up to date knowledge of relevant public procurement legislation, guidance and circulars and ensure compliance with Sectoral, National & EU Rules. Provide procurement guidance and support to personnel. Introduce best practice methods to ensure that goods, services, and works are procured in compliance with all relevant legislation and guidelines, while managing risk and achieving value for money. Actively promote the procurement function, including the development and improvement of training and skills of staff involved in the procurement and purchasing process. Develop and maintain standard documentation and templates for use in procurement process. Identify risk of non-compliance and co-ordinate aggregation of requirements. Lead savings initiatives / strategy. Develop, maintain, and implement procurement policy, plans and procedures. Maintain the Registers of Procurement and Register of Contracts. Complete the annual Quality Assurance requirements of the Public Spending Code and comply with all requests in relation to data returns to relevant bodies. Engage with National Procurement Strategy on implementation of National contracts, liaise with LGMA, OGP, LGOPC and any other relevant bodies. Engage with Local Authorities at Regional level to leverage best value in the marketplace. Monitor and report on procurement performance. Monitor supplier performance and contract management. Work as part of the overall Finance Team. Perform such duties as may be required by the Head of Section or other designated officer. Deliver on specific projects that may be assigned from time to time and on occasion make yourself available for a number of outreach projects on behalf of the Organisation. Requirements/Essential Skills and Attributes Hold a recognised Procurement Qualification or minimum of 2 years Strategic Procurement experience. Experience of internal controls and procedures in a medium to large business. PC literate with proficiency in all Microsoft products and experience with the administration and operation of financial management systems. Experience in the tourism services, or visitor attraction sector would be an advantage. Willingness to put in extra effort to complete tasks and meet tight deadlines. A strategic approach, detail oriented and have excellent interpersonal skills. Experience of best practice procurement, EU Procurement Directives and Public Service Procurement Environment, and knowledge of OGP/LGOPC National Procurement Strategy. Have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and control of staff.