Procurement Manager (13-Month Maternity Cover)

ZipRecruiter; Eastleigh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative UK organisation is seeking a Procurement Manager for a 13-month maternity cover role. This pivotal position involves managing procurement processes to ensure compliance and value-driven outcomes. You will work closely with the Commercial Services team, leading procurement activities aligned with public sector regulations. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in science and technology while enjoying flexible working arrangements. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in procurement during a period of growth and legislative change.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Work-from-home options

Private healthcare

Life insurance

Wellness programmes

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Additional holiday

Paid volunteer days

Professional development support

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Strong experience in public sector procurement and compliance.
• Skilled in drafting tender documents and managing contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes and ensure compliance.
• Monitor regulatory updates and implement necessary changes.

Skills

Public Contracts Regulations

Procurement Act 2023

Tender Documentation

Contract Management

Risk Assessment

Microsoft Office

Time Management

Communication Skills

Education

MCIPS Qualification

Tools

SAP ByDesign

Job description

Job Description

Procurement Manager (13-Month Maternity Cover)
Contract Type: Fixed-term (June 2025 - July 2026)
Location: Hybrid - Didcot, UK (Minimum 2 days per week in Harwell office)
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum

A leading UK innovation organisation is seeking a confident and experienced Procurement Manager to join its Commercial Services team on a 13-month maternity cover contract. This is a key role ensuring procurement processes are timely, compliant, and value-driven across a unique and impactful organisation operating at the forefront of science, technology, and research.

The Role:

Reporting to the Head of Commercial Services and working closely with the Procurement Business Partner, you'll be responsible for delivering procurement activity in line with the Procurement Act 2023, ensuring effective contract management, strategic procurement planning, and robust internal compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes aligned with internal policy and public sector regulations.

• Safeguard and manage procurement compliance, particularly under the Procurement Act 2023.

• Monitor regulatory updates and implement necessary process changes.

• Determine effective routes to market and provide sound procurement advice across the organisation.

• Draft tender specifications, evaluation criteria, contracts, and change notes with clear deliverables.

• Maintain an active procurement pipeline and manage contract lifecycles.

• Review non-standard terms and provide risk-based assessments.

• Conduct due diligence and challenge exceptions to procurement policy where necessary.

• Deliver training, support compliance across digital procurement tools, and assist in financial monitoring.
  
  

Requirements:

• Strong experience running procurements under Public Contracts Regulations and knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023.

• Skilled in drafting tender and contract documentation and challenging specifications.

• Confident in reviewing legal terms and identifying procurement risks.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Highly organised with good time management and the ability to handle competing priorities.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and adaptable to new systems.
  
  

Desirable:

• MCIPS qualified or working toward it.

• Experience across a mix of funding types (grant, commercial, public/private sector).

• Experience with finance systems and technology-focused organisations.

• Familiarity with SAP ByDesign.
  
  

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours and hybrid arrangements

• Work-from-home options

• Private healthcare and life insurance

• Wellness and employee assistance programmes

• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

• Additional holiday and sabbatical opportunities

• Paid volunteer days

• Professional development support

• Team social events, clubs, and cycle-to-work scheme
  
  

Success in This Role Means:

• Procurement continues to run smoothly, compliantly, and delivers value for money.

• Internal stakeholders are well-supported and processes are clearly understood and followed.
  
  

This is a fantastic opportunity for a procurement professional with strong public sector experience to step into a visible and vital role during an exciting period of legislative transition and organisational growth.