Job Introduction
Starting salary for this role is £34,434
This role sits within a well‑defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward‑thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.
Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.
Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.
Role Purpose
The Procurement and Contracts team is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and positive individual to join us as a Contracts Officer within the Adult Social Care (ASC) Contracts team. In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring that high‑quality care and support services are developed, maintained and delivered across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Your contribution will directly support the independence, wellbeing and quality of life of vulnerable adults with long‑term conditions.
You will provide clear, informed advice, guidance and analysis to support the effective procurement and management of contracts, ensuring all activity aligns with Council governance, procurement legislation and recognised best practice. You will lead and support contracting across a diverse portfolio of services—driving value for money, fostering strong provider relationships, and ensuring consistently high service standards.
Main Responsibilities
Contract Management / Supplier Relationship Management
- Lead the management and monitoring of a mixed portfolio of Adult Social Care contracts, providing expert advice to commissioners, senior managers and stakeholders and ensuring compliance with Council governance, regulations, procurement legislation and best practice.
- Ensure contracts are delivered and monitored in line with agreed KPI's, compliance requirements and processes, including regular contract review meetings
- Draft and prepare contract documents for a range of service areas
- Act as a subject matter expert in contracting, ensuring alignment with legislation, financial regulations and national good practice.
- Support high-quality, compliant and effective commissioning activity across Adult Social Care.
- Enter in contract negotiations with providers, including contentious or complex negotiations that may impact service delivery.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with providers to ensure consistent service delivery.
- Work with Commissioners to support service development, improvement and remodelling in line with contractual and financial requirements.
- Manage ongoing contract review processes, identifying opportunities to improve outcomes, quality and value for money.
The Ideal Candidate.
- Experience working in a purchasing or contracting environment, ideally within commissioning or purchase of care services.
- Ability to plan and organise own work and deal with competing demands
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Excellent IT skills
- Experience of partnership working with providers and wider agencies.
- Project management skills and experience in financial management.
- Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.
- Ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise effectively and work collaboratively as part of a team.
You must be able to travel for work purposes and will be required to undertake a DBS check.
For an informal discussion, please contact: zoe.snell@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.
We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.
From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.
It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council
At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.
Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)
Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you
More About us | Working for BCP
DBS
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Role Profile for more details.
