Head of Procurement

University of Bradford; Hull and East Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Bradford seeks a Procurement Lead to enhance its procurement services. This full-time, permanent role will involve advising senior management, leading a procurement team, and ensuring effective contract negotiations. Ideal candidates will have CIPS qualifications and extensive experience in procurement within complex organizations.

Benefits

30 days plus 13 statutory and customary days off

Family-friendly policies

Campus facilities including fitness centre

Generous pension schemes

Qualifications

• CIPS qualified with extensive senior procurement experience in a large, complex organization.
• Experience leading change in procurement processes.
• Strong leadership, management, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and advise senior management on procurement activities and purchasing culture.
• Manage a team responsible for procurement and insurance services.
• Evaluate and negotiate high-value contracts.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Procurement

Management

Education

CIPS qualification

Job description

Professional Services

Finance, Planning, Property and Commercial Operations

Salary: £58,596 to £65,814 per annum

Post Type: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: Tuesday 10 June 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: HR0183841

This job is only available to University of Bradford staff. It may be released externally should we not appoint internally.

Working Model: Campus based / Hybrid

University of Bradford

At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential has led us to top the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last four years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by leveraging our heritage and remaining committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Safeguarding

The University is committed to safeguarding, protecting, and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices.

Directorate

You will lead a well-regarded and established team that has grown significantly over the last 5 years. This is an opportunity to build on the team's positive impact at a critical time for the University. Your leadership will be essential in delivering further procurement improvements aligned with the University's new strategy.

What You Will Be Doing

1. Lead and advise the senior management team on procurement activities and purchasing culture, defining strategies, policies, and procedures to meet business needs.
2. Develop and lead the procurement service to provide professional advice supporting effective decision-making.
3. Manage a team of procurement professionals responsible for procurement and insurance services, ensuring targets and standards are met and reports are completed on time.
4. Evaluate and negotiate high-value contracts, ensuring value for money and fit for purpose.
5. Line management, staff development, and training to enhance team capabilities.

Qualifications/Experience

CIPS qualified with extensive senior procurement experience in a large, complex organization. Experience leading change in procurement processes. Strong leadership, management, and negotiation skills, with the ability to advise senior leaders on tenders.

If your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to have an informal conversation with the hiring manager. You might be the right fit for this or other roles.

Celebrating Diversity

We recognize and embrace diverse ways of working. If you need adjustments to our recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team for support.

In Return We Offer

• 30 days plus 13 statutory and customary days off
• Family-friendly policies
• Campus facilities including fitness centre, eye clinic, physiotherapy, counselling, on-site nursery, food outlets
• Generous pension schemes and benefits including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology schemes, shopping discounts

Find more information about benefits, salary sacrifice schemes, and campus nursery.

Additional Information

For more details or to apply, contact Andrew Lang, Chief Finance Officer, via email or phone. Please submit your CV and any additional information that supports your application.

Apply Online

Further Details

• Job Description

Confronting Inequality: Celebrating Diversity

We accept people regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marital status, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background. Applications from those identifying with these characteristics are welcome, and our staff networks provide peer support and safe spaces.