Category Buyer

Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution located in Newcastle upon Tyne is looking for a detail-driven Category Buyer to support IT and AV procurement processes. You will manage purchasing for hardware and software, ensuring alignment with financial regulations while working collaboratively with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have experience in procurement and a keen interest in technology. The role offers a chance to contribute to the University's digital transformation, supported by flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Generous holiday entitlement

Excellent pension schemes

Qualifications

• Experience and understanding of procurement processes.
• Ability to juggle priorities effectively.
• Experience in technology-focused buying is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic buying decisions in IT/AV procurement.
• Manage procurement for hardware, software, and digital equipment.
• Develop relationships with suppliers and internal experts.

Skills

Attention to detail

Collaborative mindset

Confidence in finance systems

Proactive attitude

Problem-solving skills

Interest in IT / AV procurement

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

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.

Further information is available in the job description .

ABOUT THE TEAM

You will be joining the Procurement team, a key function within the University’s Finance and Strategic Planning service. Within the Finance and Strategic Planning Service we deliver a range of services including Procurement, Financial Accounts, Financial Performance, and Shared Services. Further information about these areas is available on our Finance pages.

The Procurement team operates across the University, delivering high‑quality services to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the University’s strategic goals. It combines operational excellence with strategic foresight, particularly within a category that plays a pivotal role in driving the University’s digital transformation.

ABOUT YOU

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 and;
• Ideally an interest or experience in IT / AV procurement or technology‑focused buying.

Further information is available in the person specification .

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Beverley Taylor : [e-mail]

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.

ABOUT US

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. Discover more about us .

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.

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.

Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy. Explore " Our Exceptional People , Our Values and Behaviours " page to learn more about our commitments and see our Privacy Policy for further details. We’re looking for a detail‑driven Category Buyer with a passion for technology to join our dynamic team, reporting to the IT / AV Category Manager. This is your chance to play a role in shaping the future of IT and AV procurement in the University.