Purchasing Officer

Purchasing Officer
Technical 2C
Salary: £31,015 - £33,119
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Permanent Position
Location: Fire Service Headquarters (FSHQ) in Nechells, Birmingham B7 4HW

Overview

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) serves a population of nearly three million people across seven council areas. As one of the leading fire and rescue services in the country, our primary role is to provide emergency response and proactive prevention services to our communities.

Our Central Purchasing Team provides support and guidance to fire stations and departments on a wide range of aspects relating to the purchase of goods and services.

We are looking for a full-time Purchasing Officer, to work with us for six months from January 2027. We offer hybrid working, and you will be expected to be office-based for three set days a week.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Purchasing Manager, the role includes processing catalogue and non-catalogue requisitions and invoices, along with orders for Facilities Management.

The successful candidate will regularly use computer and email systems, eg. Microsoft Office, Excel and Oracle Fusion, to raise purchase orders, chase orders for goods receipting to enable payment of invoices, and liaise with internal customers and suppliers.

Applicants must have experience of dealing with suppliers, sourcing products, placing purchase orders and matching invoices to orders with a strong emphasis on multitasking and query resolution. Experience of working on your own initiative, ability to meet deadlines and a practical focus on customer service is essential.

Benefits

West Midlands Fire Service offers a friendly working environment with good terms and conditions including:

- flexible/agile working arrangements

- generous flexi-time scheme and annual leave provision

- free, on-site gym facilities

- access to in-house occupational health facility – including occupational health and fitness advisors, sports therapist, physiotherapist, CBT therapist, counsellors

- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

- wellbeing programmes

- Free, on-site parking

- Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee) – access to discounted products and services.

Diversity

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates, and particularly encourage applications from women or members of other groups currently under-represented in our service.

Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.

How to Apply

For full details of the position and to apply, please complete the pre-screening questions outlining your skills and experiences in line with the Job Summary.

For more information about the role, please contact Veronica McMahon on 0121 380 6172 or email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 12noon on 23rd November 2026.

Interviews will be conducted the 30th November.

Job Description