Procurement Officer

The Project Support & Administration Directorate at the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, invites applications for two Procurement Officers.

Description of division/position
The position involves directing, planning, coordinating, organizing and controlling procurement for ESS, and includes worldwide procurement of a broad range of commodities for program and administrative support. The work involves close cooperation with different departments within ESS in order to accomplish the organization’s mandate and to meet its objectives for the different phases of the project. It also involves internalization of the organization’s procurement policies, as well as the rules and procedures of evolving procurement issues.

Main responsibilities



• Plan, organize, coordinate and supervise ESS procurement activities in the most effective and economic manner and review work flows and practices to optimize use of resources

• Develop, implement and improve procurement and contracting procedures and methods for the efficient conduct of procurement and contracting operations, including the development of the structure and applicable functionalities of ESS procurement module

• Conduct, advise and/or direct the necessary planning, solicitation, negotiation, administration, and if necessary, termination of contractual and procurement actions

• Develop strategies for contracting of services, contracts, systems and procedures, controls and innovates on contract terms and conditions

• Act as principal adviser on contracting and procurement actions to the ESS departments and, in close cooperation with ESS departments and specialists, establish routines and procedures for realization of procurement process

• Monitor organization’s procurement service standards, carry out continuous analysis of the working methods and systems of the unit, identify problem areas and introduce improvements

• Advise organization management of short- and long-range procurement and contract implications of program and budgetary plans of the organization, and carry out critical and continuous analysis of the working methods of the unit, identify problem areas and introduce corrective solutions

• Ensure that the commodities, services and equipment are purchased under optimal circumstances consistent with acceptable technical and environmental standards, and assume responsibility for final preparation and clearance of all contract or procurement actions

Qualifications



• At least five years experience as a procurement officer within large-scale projects

• At least two years experience of complex and advanced procurements, preferably on an international or European level

• At least two years experience from public procurement including interpretations of the Public Procurement Act

• Experience in international, European and/or Swedish customs, VAT and tax legislation

• University degree or equivalent within Finance, Business Administration and/or Law is preferable

• Working knowledge of relevant EU procurement directives and antitrust law

• English is mandatory and other European languages an advantage

• Knowledge of Project Management is merited

• Experience of working in an international environment is essential

The successful candidate takes responsibility for actions, makes clear decisions, establishes good relationships and builds a wide and effective network of contacts inside and outside the organization. He/She also gains clear agreement and commitment from others by persuading, convincing and negotiating, sets clearly defined objectives, plans activities and projects well in advance and monitors performance against deadlines and milestones. It is also of great importance that he/she keeps up-­to­-date with competitor information and market trends, identifies business opportunities for the organisation, demonstrates financial awareness and controls costs thinking in terms of profit, loss and added value.

What ESS can offer
At ESS we offer people with talent and passion a unique opportunity to be involved in the development and building of a world leading facility for materials research.
Besides attractive employment and relocation conditions, the flexibility to balance work life with private life and good opportunities to further enhance your skills; you will also enjoy being part of an organizational culture that promotes and supports internal career growth. 
Duration & Location
The position is permanent with six months initial probationary period. Your work place will be situated in Lund, Sweden.

Start date
The position is to be filled as soon as possible.

Application & Contact
Please provide your curriculum vitae and covering letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please note we only accept applications via the ESS website.
The deadline for applications is 21 November 2013.

For further information regarding the position, please contact Allen Weeks, allen.weeks[at]esss.se. For further information regarding the recruitment process, please contact Linda Sima, linda.sima[at]esss.se.

We look forward to receiving your application.