Job Purpose
The Procurement and Contract Officer will support the delivery and management of Temporary Accommodation and Resettlement services by procuring suitable accommodation, managing contracts and maintaining effective relationships with landlords, providers and other stakeholders. The role will ensure quality, compliance and value for money while supporting accommodation-related projects and delivering a professional, customer-focused service.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Develop and support strategies, policies and programmes to improve the supply and management of accommodation for households in housing need.
2. Commission, procure and manage accommodation contracts, ensuring quality, value for money and compliance with Client requirements.
3. Tender, evaluate and award contracts to accommodation providers in accordance with financial regulations and legal requirements.
4. Develop and maintain strong working relationships with private landlords, letting agents, property owners and accommodation providers.
5. Carry out property inspections to assess suitability, investigate disrepair complaints and maintain accurate property inventories.
6. Monitor contract, project and service-level agreement performance, addressing under-performance, service failures and financial or legal issues.
7. Analyse demand, supply, performance and financial data to support effective accommodation planning and commissioning decisions.
8. Liaise with landlords, agents, tenants, contractors and other stakeholders to resolve accommodation and tenancy-related issues.
9. Maintain accurate service records and prepare performance information, reports and other documentation required by management.
10. Respond effectively to customer enquiries and complaints while promoting good property standards, supporting move-on from emergency accommodation and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policies.

Qualifications & Experience

1. GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths, or equivalent qualifications.
2. Understanding of the private rented sector and issues relating to the acquisition and supply of accommodation.
3. Knowledge of security of tenure, health and safety, housing standards and housing benefit regulations.
4. Experience working within a social housing, private housing or related environment.
5. Experience of procurement and contract management, including identifying and addressing under-performance.
6. Experience of working with private landlords, letting agents or accommodation providers.
7. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and communicate clearly using plain English.
8. Ability to manage a varied and demanding workload while maintaining a consistently high standard of work with limited supervision.
9. Ability to assess service issues, identify appropriate solutions and communicate recommendations effectively.
10. Commitment to equal opportunities and an understanding of the diverse needs of customers, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, customers and external partners.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Vertage Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.