Contracts Officer, Catering

Package Description

Job Introduction

Do you have a passion for excellent customer, and food?

The Contract Officer role sits within the Business Services department, which helps ensure the Council can provide its whole range of services effectively. This role is part of the Contracts Team which delivers vital services to schools and corporate sites. You will be working in a close-knit team where client satisfaction is at the heart of what we do.

You will be responsible for assisting the Contract Manager in the operational management of the school meals contract. The role involves building sound professional relationships with schools, stakeholders and suppliers. 

Your roles will include:

1. Providing support and guidance to schools in line with the school meals contract
2. Working with contractors and suppliers to enable sufficient service delivery 
3. Attending and contributing to regular review meetings with customers and contractors to ensure the contract is delivering on KPI’s and overseeing operational improvements where needed.
4. Undertaking kitchen inspections and attending school meetings
5. Promoting growth within the service through positive interactions with schools
6. Managing service issues or early stages of disputes

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have proven experience in a customer service role
• Thrive in a face paced varied environment where no two days are the same
• Possess exceptional organisational skills
• Enjoy problem solving and managing queries through to completion
• Are proficient in the use of IT systems such as Outlook, Word and Excel
• A willingness to travel, the role covers schools across East Sussex

To apply for this role please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above. When completing your application be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests.

Interviews are to be held in person at County Hall, Lewes, on Thursday 01 May 2025.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

This role is varied, no two days are the same, and involves visiting schools across East Sussex with office days based in Lewes. There are elements of hybrid working, and some flexibility to manage your own calendar.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Laura Neal at laura.neal@eastsussex.gov.uk to arrange an MS teams call or phone call with one of our team.

For work that makes a difference

Additional Information

Additional Information

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

Data provided as part of a job application will be processed in line with the privacy notice for job applicants.

DBS

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure and Barring Services. For further information about what is required in this process please go to gov.uk disclosure and barring service . Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Work Permits

 We may be able to obtain a Work Permit for this post but this is subject to meeting the requirements of the UK Border Agency’s Points-based Immigration System. Due to the restrictions we cannot guarantee that individuals that meet the requirements of the Points-based Immigration System will be issued with clearance to obtain work permits. 

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role.

Reasonable adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.

Reasonable adjustments include things like an offline application form. If you would like to discuss your requirements further, please get in touch.

Equal Opportunities

East Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. All applications are treated on merit.

Company Information