Job 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
Hours: 30 Per Week


Contract: Fixed term until 30 June 2026


Salary: Hay 9 - 28,598 - 32,061 pro rata


Closing date: Midday 5 September 2025


Location: Police & Fire Headquarters, Portishead


Interviews: Week commencing 15 September 2025

Summary of role

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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 will be doing

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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 will need from you

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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

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25 days annual holiday (plus public holidays) rising to 29 days after 5 years, and 3 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 Engagement Groups Access to Medical Intervention Scheme 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

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Completed applications must be submitted to Human Resources recruitment@avonfire.gov.uk . Late applications will not be accepted. Please quote job reference number 5808-2 (JD number) 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

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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:


https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Safeguarding-Statement-1.pdf


Core Code Of Ethics


Our mission, vision and values