Procurement Officer

University of Portsmouth; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Portsmouth is seeking a Procurement Officer to support diverse projects contributing to their strategic vision. You will collaborate with stakeholders, engage in competitive tendering, and enhance procurement processes. Ideal for recent graduates or experienced professionals, this role offers hybrid working, professional development opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture dedicated to equality and diversity.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working policies

Training and development opportunities

Wellbeing programmes

Qualifications

• An interest in working toward a CIPS qualification.
• Experience in procurement or commercial contracts is beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support and deliver procurement projects.
• Work with stakeholders to understand requirements and plan procurement pipelines.
• Design and run competitive tender processes.
• Analyze supplier markets and spend data.
• Contribute to the development of procurement tools and processes.
• Build relationships across the University.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Ability to manage tasks and deadlines

Education

A-Level or equivalent qualification

Job description

Overview

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role

Ready to take the next step in your career and make a real impact? Join the University of Portsmouth as a Procurement Officer and play a key role in delivering projects that support our Strategy 2025 and Vision 2030. Whether you’re a recent graduate eager to start your journey or an experienced professional looking for a new challenge, this is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, collaborative procurement team. You’ll partner with stakeholders across the Estates department, gaining hands-on experience in the full procurement lifecycle—from designing tender opportunities to analysing supplier markets—while contributing to projects that deliver value, savings, and positive change.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting and delivering procurement projects that balance compliance, value for money, and innovation.
• Working directly with stakeholders to understand requirements, shape specifications, and plan multi year procurement pipelines.
• Designing and running competitive tender processes from documentation to evaluation through to contract award.
• Analysing supplier markets and spend data to help drive strategic decision-making.
• Contributing to the development of procurement tools, templates, and processes to keep the University ahead of sector best practice.
• Building strong working relationships across the University and participating in national procurement networks.
• Helping to embed the strategic direction of procurement within the institution.

What we’re looking for

You don’t need years of experience, just the ambition to grow, the curiosity to learn, and the drive to make a difference. Ideally, you will have:

• A-Level or equivalent qualification, or relevant experience.
• An interest in working toward a CIPS qualification (we’ll support you!).
• Strong communication skills and great attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• An enthusiasm for problem-solving, value creation, and working collaboratively.
• Experience in procurement, commercial contracts, savings delivery, or working across different spend categories is beneficial but not essential for motivated graduates.

Why join us

• A supportive and knowledgeable procurement team excited to help you grow.
• Exposure to a wide range of procurement categories and strategic projects.
• Professional development opportunities, including CIPS training.
• A collaborative environment committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• The chance to contribute to meaningful projects at the heart of a modern, ambitious university.

Ready to shape your future? Apply now and take your first step into an impactful career in procurement.

Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week, hybrid working is available for this role.

Interview date

The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on 13th January.

If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Celine Machola at [e-mail]

Employer, External Only: University of Portsmouth Academic Services Ltd (UASL)

Benefits and additional information

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
• The perks don’t stop there - click ‘apply’ for further information on My Reward and Benefits

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

EDI Statement

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community. As an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter award holder, a member of Stonewall and a Disability Confident Employer we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills, perspectives and experiences. In addition, we want our workforce to be representative of our diverse student population. Please see our EDI Framework and objectives.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.