Procurement and Contracts Officer

Procurement and Contracts Officer
Department: Finance
Salary: £26,667 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term | Full time, 37 hours per week (Maternity Cover)

Reference: REC2406 | Closing Date: Sunday, 9th August 2026

The Opportunity

You will be an important part of a friendly finance team that supports the smooth running of the College’s financial operations. Working within a supportive and experienced department, you will deliver a responsive and efficient service by carrying out a range of financial and administrative tasks.

Based within the Procurement Section, you will support the tendering of goods and services across the College, helping to ensure value for money in purchasing decisions. This will include issuing pricing requests and providing advice to colleagues on the appropriate procurement routes for different areas of college spend.

A key part of the role will involve reviewing College contracts, with appropriate support, and highlighting areas where there may be significant risk. You will help to maintain the contract management process in line with college policy and provide guidance to contract owners on their responsibilities.

This is a varied role that offers the opportunity to work closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders. A positive, professional, and customer‑focused approach is therefore essential.

You will join a team that values accuracy, teamwork and high standards, while also supporting the wider goals of the College, including equality, safeguarding and continuous improvement. With access to relevant training and development opportunities, this role offers the chance to build your skills and grow in a busy, well‑organised finance environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to build experience within a professional finance setting, gaining a strong understanding of procurement, contract management, and wider finance operations.

About You

We are looking for an organised, accurate and confident individual with experience in purchasing or procurement. You will have at least two years’ experience working in a finance, procurement or purchasing environment, ideally within the public sector.

You will have experience of tendering or purchasing and/or a good working understanding of contracts, with some knowledge of contract law being desirable. You will be able to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues across the College, as well as with external suppliers and stakeholders.

A helpful and professional attitude is key to supporting the team, applying College procedures and delivering a reliable, customer‑focused service. You should be comfortable using finance systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and be willing to learn new systems and processes.

Ideally, you will hold CIPS Level 3 or have undertaken relevant contract or procurement training, supporting your ability to carry out tender evaluations and contract reviews with confidence and accuracy.

You will need to manage your time effectively, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure. Flexibility is important, as priorities may change depending on the needs of the team. Most importantly, you will take pride in your work and contribute positively to the smooth and efficient running of the College’s finance function

Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.

Required

• Four GCSEs at A–C (or equivalent), including English and Maths, or a Level 2 NVQ
• At least two years’ experience of working in finance or procurement or purchasing department.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Being able to communicate clearly both verbally and within written reports.

Reasons to join us

• We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
• Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous 19.2% employer contribution! 
• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress 
• Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
• Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities

The Barnsley College Advantage
When you join us, you can expect to benefit from “The Barnsley College Advantage”. This is the advantage of:

• Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
• A range of flexible working opportunities
• Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
• Short- and Long-Term development commitments
• Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
• Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
• Reward and Recognition
• Having your voice heard at every level
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Closing date for applications is Sunday, 9th August 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to demonstrate this at the point of appointment. Please note that we are unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position.

Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.

Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.

We are committed to sustainability, embedding environmentally responsible practices across everything we do and preparing our learners for a low‑carbon future. Find out more about our approach: View our Sustainability Strategy