Contract Officer

CONTRACT OFFICER

CHELMSFORD

FULL TIME - 35 HOURS PER WEEK

£8.88 PER HOUR

THE ROLE

To plan and procure cost effective coordinated transport for students into educational establishments. A diverse role assisting team members as necessary, and dealing with invoices received from operators, where queries have been raised. Transport will be arranged in accordance with Essex County Council(ECC) policies and procedures.

JOB PURPOSE

Work as part of a team ensuring the planning of transport is cost effective, addressing congestion by using the minimum number of vehicles and integrating journeys wherever possible, maximising the use of public transport, procuring contracted services where necessary, providing transport on demand and to evidence value for money.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

- Respond to requests and provide transport in accordance with policies and guidelines set by Schools, Children & Families, Social Services and PTCC, ensuring deadlines, targets and performance indicators are met.
- Liaise and negotiate with schools and colleges, social care centres, parents/guardians, Social Workers, Transport Operators, and our Commissioners to ensure transport meets the individual needs of passengers and ensures excellent customer care.
- Assist in the management of all resources to ensure that services are delivered on time and within budget. Services procured from external providers must represent value for money and meet all procurement regulations.
- Assist in financial processes to ensure that invoices from Transport Operators are paid in accordance with ECC and PTCC payment terms and guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

- Knowledge of passenger transport legislation
- Knowledge of financial procedures including managing contracts
- An understanding of procurement processes
- Geographical knowledge of Essex
- Experience in negotiating and liaison
- Experience in customer service with excellent communication skills
- Skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
- Minimum 4 GCSEs grades A-C or equivalent
- Required to be mobile throughout an operational area (or throughout Essex or similar where more appropriate) and therefore a valid driving licence and use of car required, unless the role can be undertaken effectively by alternative transport arrangements.

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL IS COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING AND PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS, AND EXPECTS ALL EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS TO SHARE THIS COMMITMENT.

Our aim is to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

Working for Essex welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, race, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Working for Essex is a trading name of Capita Resourcing Ltd. Services offered are those of an Employment Agency and Employment Business. Applicants will be required to register with us.