Location: Belfast
Hours: Full-Time (36.25 hours per week)

About the Role:

MPA Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced Procurement Advisor on behalf of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS).

Based within the Finance Department's Strategic Financial Management Section, the successful candidate will support the Procurement and Contracts Manager in delivering an efficient, effective and professional procurement and contract management service.

This is a varied role involving procurement advice, contract management, transactional processing, quality assurance and governance. You will play an important part in ensuring that goods and services are procured through compliant routes, delivering value for money while meeting public-sector procurement legislation, policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Contract Management

• Provide advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on procurement processes, tendering, quotations, contract management and relevant legislation.
• Support the planning and delivery of procurement exercises, ensuring compliance with public-sector procurement requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance, analyse contract management information and prepare performance reports.
• Participate in and lead contract review meetings with suppliers and contractors.
• Monitor procurement KPIs and identify opportunities for efficiencies and improvements.
• Support purchase orders, requisitions, invoice clearance and e-procurement system administration.

Governance, Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain accurate procurement records in line with GDPR and records-retention requirements.
• Support internal and external audits, Freedom of Information requests and statutory information returns.
• Ensure procurement activity complies with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Analyse procurement and expenditure information to identify potential savings and improvements.
• Maintain high standards of financial administration, accountability and control.

Systems & Service Improvement

• Support the administration and maintenance of procurement and contract management systems.
• Identify system issues and work with relevant teams to resolve them.
• Contribute to the development of improved procurement processes, reporting and customer journeys.
• Support the implementation of new systems, processes and service improvement initiatives.

Stakeholder & Team Support

• Build effective working relationships with internal departments, external suppliers and procurement partners.
• Provide a high standard of customer service, taking ownership of queries and complaints through to resolution.
• Assist with staff training on procurement legislation, policies and procedures.
• Support the Procure to Pay team and deputise for the Procurement and Contracts Manager when required.

What We’re Looking for?

Essential Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet one of the following qualification and experience combinations:

Option 1:

• A minimum HNC or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, such as Finance, Business Management or Governance.
• At least two years' demonstrable experience working in a procurement environment within a large organisation.

OR

Option 2:

• At least five GCSEs at Grades A*–C / 9–4 (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics.
• At least four years' demonstrable experience working in a procurement environment within a large organisation.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate:

• Excellent planning, organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to deliver high-quality work.
• Strong relationship-management skills and the ability to influence management.
• Experience using IT systems, including Microsoft Office and management information or finance systems.
• Knowledge of procurement principles, the procurement lifecycle and public-sector procurement legislation.
• A full, current UK driving licence or access to suitable transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Additional Information:

• An Enhanced Access NI Check may be required for this role.

What we can offer you:

At MPA Recruitment, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your placement. We can offer:

• The opportunity to gain valuable experience within a specialist public sector service.
• Dedicated support from your MPA Recruitment Consultant.
• Weekly pay.
• Holiday pay.
• The opportunity to strengthen your CV with experience within the Northern Ireland Fire Service.
• Support throughout the registration, compliance and onboarding process.
• Ongoing role availability — if one placement ends, we aim to secure another.

Why Apply?

• Play a key role in supporting procurement and contract management across the organisation.
• Work with a range of internal stakeholders, suppliers and external procurement partners.
• Contribute to important procurement projects, service improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Apply your knowledge of public-sector procurement, legislation and governance within a varied and rewarding role.
• Develop your experience within a professional Finance team while supporting services that make a real difference to communities across Northern Ireland.

MPA Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer.