Category Practitioner

The Role and the Department The Procurement Service forms part of the University’s Professional Services function and delivers a centralised procurement and purchasing activity to the entire organisation. The department is currently split between the Purchasing Team, who are responsible for the day-to- day tactical procurement, and the Category Team, who are responsible for strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management. The department is responsible for the procurement of all goods and services for the University and driving value for money, using strategic sourcin! g strateg ies within a category management framework. Under the stewardship of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Procurement Service and colleagues in Finance have recently implemented Oracle Fusion for financials and eProcurement, which offers exciting opportunities to transform the processes and practices in place to further support the departments desire to be best in sector. Professional Services are expected to move into Boldon House commencing Spring 2024, this will be a flagship building devoted to becoming the University’s first ever professional service hub. The building is being designed with flexible hybrid working in mind and will fully support the University’s Hybrid Working Policy. The Procurement Service are ear-marked to be one of the first occupants of this building. The Category Practitioner will be required to cope with multiple deadlines in a calm and efficient manner, providing excellent customer service and encouraging stakeholder engagement. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year. Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community. Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. We offer generous pension schemes.