Procurement Operations Advisor

University of Exeter; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Exeter seeks a Procurement Operations Advisor to lead procurement activities and manage operational departments. The role offers hybrid working opportunities and a starting salary of £28,031. Ideal candidates should have excellent people skills and a proven track record in procurement. Benefits include generous leave, flexible working options, and discounts at leading retailers.

Benefits

39 days leave per year

Options for flexible working

Discounts at leading retailers

Onsite gyms

Cycle to work scheme

Comprehensive maternity and paternity leave policies

Qualifications

• Proven track record in managing high-paced operational departments.
• Ability to provide assistance to Team Managers.
• Experience with procurement processes and requisitions.

Responsibilities

• Lead in the buying of goods and services for internal service users.
• Ensure efficient procurement service while maximizing savings.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Excellent people skills

Experience in procurement

Ability to manage operational departments

Job description

Overview

The starting salary will be from £28,031 on Grade D, depending on qualifications and experience. This full-time permanent post is immediately available for a highly motivated individual with excellent people skills and a proven track record managing high-paced operational departments. This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home. On-site working will be based at the Streatham campus.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the way we provide services to our staff in a new Service Centre (called PS Connect) being created to transform the way Professional Services delivers its core services. PS Connect, sponsored by the University’s Registrar, is the new service to deliver user-focused, innovative service to staff, that uses data and new technology alongside highly skilled staff with a strong understanding of user experience and journeys to underpin continual improvement.

Responsibilities

Procurement Operations Advisors will be key leads in the buying of goods and services (up to £49,999 value per transaction) needed by internal service users. Responsible for providing assistance to Team Managers in relation to key lead activities. Providing assistance in raising requisitions, and responsible for raising PCWs and managing Proforma requests. Achieve the service users\' needs, whilst generating value in the most efficient and effective manner. The postholder will also contribute to continuous improvement activities to ensure internal customer departments are supported with the right type and level of procurement service whilst maximising efficiency and saving opportunities.

How to apply

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role, by clicking on the 'apply' button.

Benefits

• 39 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

For further information, please contact Wendy Herrington (Procurement Operations Manager) [e-mail] or Sally Porter (Head of Procurement Operations) [e-mail]

The closing date for completed applications is 7th October 2025 at midnight.

Visa and sponsorship

Please be advised that due to the minimum salary thresholds imposed by the UKVI, this post will not qualify for university sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have a visa which permits the right to work in the UK. Further details can be found on the Home Office website - https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. If you are an existing Skilled Worker visa holder, we may be able to sponsor and will review the transitional arrangements - https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/certificate-of-sponsorship-before-4-april-2024