Procurement

I love the fact the role is very varied and challenging, knowing that the work that I and my colleagues do goes a way to benefit and support the residents of East Sussex and beyond is just truly an amazing feeling.

Christina, Procurement Specialist

Why work in procurement?

Orbis Procurement is a collaborative partnership between East Sussex County Council, Surrey County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council. We manage a procurement spend of more than £1.6 billion a year with external suppliers across each of the three local authorities.

Each council needs goods and services to operate. Our team works to get the best value possible for residents, ensuring public money is spent in the most appropriate and ethical way possible. The variety of things we buy covers a wide range and may include:

  • software
  • social care services
  • cleaning products
  • highways maintenance.

We will support you to achieve a professional Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification. We offer training through routes to suit you and your situation, from apprenticeships to self-study options.


- Choose a career in Procurement

Watch on YouTube: "Choose a career in Procurement"

Latest jobs in procurement

Check our latest jobs working in procurement, or sign up to email alerts if there are no current vacancies.


Examples of our work

  • Supporting the Council to buy local, to reduce the risk of modern slavery and support challenging targets around carbon reduction
  • Providing commercial advice and setting up contracts
  • Designing and implementing innovative procurement strategies
  • In-depth analysis of data across multiple partners to make informed decisions on spending
  • Using simple and effective standardised processes for purchases below procurement thresholds.

What staff say about working in Business Services

Veronique Round
"Being in Finance has really been helpful and rewarding for me. My job is to help colleagues internally access grants. Getting an email in the morning saying, ‘I just wanted to let you know we got the £500 from the Lottery to do this project’ really makes my day." Veronique, External Funding Manager
Nev Round
"You feel like you’re doing something, not just for the people you’re fixing the computer for, but for the service they’re providing for people in the county." Nev, Service Hub User Experience Manager
Liam Round
"I used to be a branch manager for Nationwide Building Society, a bit different from what I do now, but I wanted something with a bit more career progression. Internal audit is a really interesting job and at East Sussex there are loads of development opportunities." Liam, Senior Auditor
Elaine Round
"We carry out a wide variety of work, some behind the scenes, and some that’s very visible to the staff. Working with the public and helping people is one of the main aims of my role. What I love is the variety. No two days are the same." Elaine, Business Support Officer
Jodie Round
"Within Internal Audit and Business Services my experience has been really positive. It’s a really forward-thinking area to work in, there’s lots of opportunities for development." Jodie, Principal Auditor
Christina Round
"I love the fact the role is very varied and challenging, knowing that the work that I and my colleagues do goes a way to benefit and support the residents of East Sussex and beyond is just truly an amazing feeling." Christina, Procurement Specialist
Triona Round
"What I really love about working in my area is definitely the people. One day is never ever the same. It’s an incredibly varied role. I really enjoy talking with stakeholders and the managers and the rest of the organisation." Triona, HR Manager


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