Category Buyer

Northumbria University; Belford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Procurement Support role to assist the IT / AV Category Manager with strategic buying decisions. The position involves managing procurement processes and building strong relationships with internal experts and external suppliers. Candidates should have experience in procurement and a collaborative mindset. The university promotes a positive work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements, benefits, and a supportive culture.

Benefits

Excellent pension schemes

Flexible working

Generous holiday entitlement

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement processes.
• Strong attention to detail and collaboration skills.
• Confidence in finance systems and cross-functional teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic buying decisions.
• Manage procurement processes for various tech purchases.
• Build relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Procurement processes

Attention to detail

Collaborative mindset

Finance systems

Problem-solving

IT / AV procurement knowledge

Job description

As part of our fast-paced team, you'll be supporting strategic buying decisions, liaising with Legal, Digital Technology and Transformation Services and other stakeholders, and ensuring every purchase aligns with our financial regulations and digital ambitions.

What You'll Do:

• Provide specialist support to the IT / AV Category Manager on complex tech purchases.
• Manage procurement processes for hardware, software, AV equipment and digital.
• Be involved with contract renewals across the IT / AV space.
• Build strong relationships across internal subject matter experts and external suppliers.
• Champion Supplier Relationship Management processes in conjunction with the Category Manager.
• Maintain accurate records and procurement data.

Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on‑campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.

To be successful in the role you will have:

• Experience and understanding of procurement processes.
• A sharp eye for detail and a collaborative mindset.
• Confidence working in finance systems and cross-functional teams.
• A proactive attitude and ability to juggle priorities with ease.
• Confidence in taking ownership to solve complex problems.
• Ideally an interest or experience in IT / AV procurement or technology-focused buying.

Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award‑winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work‑life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more. Our Northumbria Values, co‑created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.