Procurement Specialist

Have you led on multiple high value, high risk tenders within the public sector or higher education sector and have you been responsible for end-to-end procurement?

If so, I've got a great opportunity for you which is mostly remote working and would love to hear from you!

A leading university in public and global health is seeking to appoint a Category Lead (Procurement Specialist) to their team of 6. You will report into the Head of Procurement who offers hybrid, but mostly remote, working for this full time, permanent post where you will attend the office 1-2 times a week near Russel Square (Goodge Street).

With great benefits and a chance to really make this role your own, you will focus on the transport and logistics category (experience not required of this). You must however have public sector procurement experience (OJEU. / PCR).

Benefits:

• Very generous annual leave of 30 days + 8 days bank holidays + 6 closure days = 44 days in total!
• Hybrid working - 1-2 days a week in the office
• Pension schemes (USS, SAUL, NHSPS) which include life cover and early ill-health retirement
• Professional development - programmes and events to support development including work-shadowing, in-house mentoring, management and leadership programmes

The Role:

The Category Lead will be responsible for providing high-quality, credible, and timely procurement advisory and operational services for defined categories within the organisation. Reporting to the Department Head, the role involves managing tendering processes, contributing to strategic initiatives, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies and practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop strong professional relationships with senior managers, academic and professional services managers.
• Shape the procurement and supply chain agenda, translating plans into actionable strategies.
• Manage strategic working groups to improve processes, contract management, and service/supplier performance.
• Lead designated categories in interpreting and delivering centrally led procurement initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on procurement issues, ensuring stakeholders are aware of market conditions.
• Act as a conduit for specialist support from the Procurement Team to designated category stakeholders.
• Participate in the development and management of operational plans for designated categories.
• Champion organisational change and motivate academic faculty/support services within designated categories.
• Act as a line manager for junior Procurement colleagues when required.

Qualifications and Experience required:

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) or equivalent experience to CIPS Level 5.
• Continuous professional development and an undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• Experience in procurement within a complex environment, preferably in Higher Education otherwise this MUST be Public Sector.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Public Procurement Regulations and significant experience in competitive tenders.
• Demonstrated success in leading designated categories and delivering business change programs.

Please apply today and ensure that all relevant experience is clearly stated on your CV as no covering letter or application forms are required for this position. If your CV reflects the above experience, then a member of the TPP team will be touch with you to discuss everything further.

If you do not hear back from us within 3 working days, unfortunately your CV hasn't been shortlisted on this occasion.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.