Procurement Systems Coordinator

Working with the Service Director, Financial Management, directorates across the Council, and our external partners, the service is key in shaping and delivering procurement strategies that underpin the Council's long-term financial resilience.

As part of the Financial Management service, procurement lead the development and implementation of approaches that are aligned with the Council's overarching objectives, ensuring that every pound spent contributes to better outcomes for residents. By embedding strategic procurement practices, the service ensures value for money, ethical sourcing, and sustainable supply chains that support local economic growth and social value.

Through strategic leadership and collaborative working, the service ensures that procurement is not just a transactional function, but a key enabler of the Council's ambitions for its communities.

Use your digital skills to support services that matter to local communities.

Do you enjoy working with digital systems, process improvement, and helping people get the most from technology? We are looking for a proactive and customer-focused Procurement Systems Coordinator to support ongoing development of our innovative e-procurement platform and other procurement related systems. This is an exciting opportunity to work across the Council and alongside regional partners to help modernise procurement, improve user experience, and drive efficient, transparent procurement practices. You'll be at the heart of system administration, user support, training, reporting, and digital content management, ensuring colleagues and suppliers can confidently engage with our procurement processes.

What you'll get to do:

• Support the development and ongoing management of Open, the Council's e-procurement platform.
• Work closely with colleagues and external partners to configure, test and continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement systems.
• Deliver engaging training and support to Council staff, helping users make the most of the procurement systems.
• Act as the first point of contact for system queries, providing excellent customer service and practical solutions.
• Create and maintain user accounts, system records, guidance materials and training resources.
• Support digital transformation by identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiency and user experience.
• Maintain procurement-related content across the Council's website and intranet, ensuring information remains accurate, accessible and up to date.
• Maximise the use of Microsoft 365 tools to improve collaboration, communication and service delivery.
• Build effective relationships with colleagues, suppliers and regional partners to support the delivery of high-quality procurement services

• Experience working with digital systems, databases or web-based platforms and enjoys learning new technologies.
• An understanding of mapping and improving processes and workflows to support efficient service delivery.
• Confidence using data to present insights and information in a clear and meaningful way.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Enjoyment in delivering support, guidance or training and can explain systems and processes in a user-friendly way.
• Experience in working collaboratively and building effective partnerships across teams, departments or organisations.
• A good standard of numeracy and literacy, supported by a sound general education.

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff. Support, innovate, and make an impact every day.