Assistant Procurement Manager

Abingdon Road, Culham, UK
Full-time - Hybrid working - Flexible working requests welcome
Salary: £40,520 (inclusive of £5,000 if fully MCIPS qualified) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
Division: Procurement
Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
Confirmed Grade: Level 4
Department: Procurement

Company Description

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realising fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA, you will benefit from:

- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
- Corporate bonus scheme of up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
- Flexible working options, including family-friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days of Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
- Wide range of career development opportunities.
- A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £40,520 (inclusive of £5,000 if fully MCIPS qualified) + excellent benefits including an outstanding pension.

Job Description

UKAEA’s pay arrangements and grading structure are currently under review as part of a transformation project and proposed multi-year pay deal. UKAEA aims to introduce a new grading structure in 2024. This will enable us to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise the scientific and economic benefits. Now is a great time to join the Organisation and be part of the journey.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Assistant Procurement Manager, you will be pivotal in delivering procurement support across the organisation, providing advice and guidance, and completing projects and complex tenders for the growing R&D portfolio within UKAEA. To provide support and guidance for members of the procurement team, supporting them in delivering a first-class procurement service to the organisation. To ensure that the UKAEA complies with European Commission and UK directives for procurement in the public sector. To support the organisation in the achievement of its own milestones and also impact the achievement of BEIS targets and milestones.

Additional Responsibilities:

- To negotiate with the relevant parties, including external companies, to arrive at appropriate commercial agreements.
- To advise senior managers on contractual strategies (ranging from traditional contracts to alliances, partnerships and alternative funding strategies).
- To contribute to problem-solving and decision-making to develop specification requirements.
- To manage contracts from tender through to closure. This will include evaluating bids, ensuring that value for money is obtained at all times, negotiating appropriate commercial agreements, and resolving claims and disputes.
- To provide general support, advice and coaching/delivery of training on commercial matters.
- To contribute to the evolution of the Authority's commercial terms and conditions, policies and working practices.
- Identify improvement opportunities and propose solutions to contribute to continuous improvement within UKAEA.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

- Working towards being MCIPS qualified.
- Experience in Public Sector Procurement and understanding of OJEU.
- A good technical appreciation of the range of procurement categories.
- Good procurement strategic knowledge and experience.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Commercially astute and customer-focused.
- Good negotiation skills with some understanding of NEC contract form.
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Be a good team player with the ability to work effectively as part of the Group Procurement Team.

Additional Information

For a full list of benefits and to apply, select the apply button to be taken through to the UKAEA careers pages.

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.