Senior Officer, Procurement (FCS108)
Senior Officer, Procurement (FCS108)
Contract: Permanent, working 35 hours per week (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility)
Salary: £41,369 per annum Grade C plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Manchester (The role will be based in Manchester; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week)
Are you a procurement professional looking to make a meaningful impact in the arts and culture sector?
We are looking for a Senior Officer, Procurement to join our Finance team at The Hive in Manchester. In this vital role, you will work closely with the Head of Procurement to ensure the effective procurement of goods and services while upholding compliance, diversity, and sustainability across the organisation.
As a key advisor to budget holders and managers, you will help navigate public procurement regulations, mitigate risks, and champion Value for Money (VFM) in all our activities. This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of procurement projects and tender exercises up to a value of £2m.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide expert procurement advice and guidance across the organisation to minimise legal and compliance risks.
• Assist with the preparation of Invitation to Tender (ITT) documentation and manage tender processes.
• Support budget holders in utilising framework agreements (such as Government Commercial Agency) and implementing organisation-wide contracts.
• Collate management information and prepare expenditure reports to drive efficiency.
• Implement and promote internal procurement policies that reflect our commitment to diversity, social value, and sustainability.
• Deliver training and share best practices with staff at all levels.
What We Are Looking For:
• Proven experience working within a procurement function for a similarly sized organisation.
• Professional experience in public procurement, ideally working towards a professional qualification such as CIPS.
• Thorough knowledge of Public Contract Regulations (PCR2015) and the Procurement Act 2023.
• Practical knowledge of e-procurement systems (e.g., Delta) and proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with limited direction.
• A good understanding of our duty as a public body under current diversity legislation and the broader diversity agenda.
Desirable:
• An awareness of the risks and benefits of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public procurement.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council.
If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application. For further information please visit their website here
We participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they’re applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/ or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance.
About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme. To find out more, click here.
Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application Guidance: How to apply and recruitment selection process | Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website here.
To view the job description please click here
To view the recruitment pack which outlines more details about working for Arts Council please click here
Job ref: FCS108
Closing date: 09:00am 27 November 2026
1st Interviews: (Virtual) W/C 07 December 2026
2nd Interviews: (In-person at the Manchester office) W/C 14 December 2026
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk
