Procurement Category Manager

Bournemouth University; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK is seeking a skilled Procurement Category Manager to lead IT procurement activities. In this role, you will develop procurement strategies, ensure compliance, and manage relationships with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in procurement and a strong understanding of public regulations. This dynamic position offers opportunities for professional development and influence within the procurement process.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in complex organisational procurement.
• Strong understanding of Public Procurement Regulations.
• Experience with sustainable procurement principles.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel for business purposes.

Responsibilities

• Lead creation and implementation of procurement strategies.
• Provide expert procurement advice to stakeholders.
• Develop and manage tendering processes.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations.

Skills

Professional procurement experience

Category management

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management

Procurement strategies development

Job description

Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community.

We are currently seeking a skilled Procurement Category Manager to lead and manage our IT category-based procurement activities, ensuring compliance with public procurement regulations and achieving value for money in our non‑pay expenditures.

Embrace a role that goes beyond the conventional – as our IT Procurement Category Manager, you’re stepping into a position that offers significant potential for career progression and professional development. In this dynamic role, you will collaborate closely with the Head of Procurement, playing a critical role in shaping and advancing the University’s IT procurement strategies. You’ll have the unique opportunity to influence and innovate within the fast‑evolving realm of digital technology procurement, ensuring our Bournemouth University stays at the cutting edge of academic and operational excellence. This is a fantastic platform to showcase your expertise in a prestigious academic setting.

At Bournemouth University, every challenge is a chance to grow, and every success contributes to the wider goals of our learning community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation, development, and implementation of procurement strategies for goods, services, and works, managing a high value spend portfolio.
• Provide expert procurement advice to key stakeholders, including Deans and Directors, ensuring alignment with the University’s investment strategies and sustainability policies.
• Demonstrate expertise in the IT markets, offering insightful advice on procurement strategies to keep the forefront of technological advancements and procurement best practices.
• Develop and manage effective tendering processes and supplier management routines, focusing on value for money and risk mitigation.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders, external networks, and consortia to enhance procurement effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with Public Procurement Regulations, the upcoming changes to the regulations and University Financial Regulations.
• Lead cross-functional teams in evaluating tender responses, managing contracts, and advising on procurement best practices.
• Provide management information and benchmark performance against industry standards.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in professional procurement and category management in a complex organisational setting.
• Strong understanding of Public Procurement Regulations including an understanding of the upcoming changes.
• Experience and understanding of sustainable procurement principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to develop innovative procurement strategies.
• Commitment to professional development and adherence to the CIPS Code of Ethics.
• Willingness to travel for business purposes.
• Ability to coordinate and lead cross‑functional teams.
• Support the Head of Procurement with digital transformation and other service improvement initiatives.

This position does not meet the eligibility requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route within the UK Visa and Immigration service’s. Therefore, BU will not be able to sponsor individuals who require permission to work to carry out this position.

For an informal queries about the role, please contact Jane Habgood by email.

BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society. To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.