At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement projects, contracts, and strategic initiatives to enhance financial wellbeing.
- Company: Join a top-ranked university committed to innovation and excellence in research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team that shapes the future of procurement in a prestigious institution.
- Qualifications: Experience in tendering procedures and contract management is essential; strong communication skills are a must.
- Other info: This is a permanent position with a focus on delivering impactful solutions aligned with university goals.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Procurement Officer role at The University of Edinburgh.
Grade UE07: £41,064– £48,822 per annum
Corporate Services Group / Finance / Procurement
Full‑time: 35 hours per week
Open-ended (permanent)
1 position
The Opportunity
Reporting to the relevant Category Head, the successful candidate will be responsible for the tendering, award and contract management of a range of procurement projects; as well as strategic initiatives stemming from market engagement and spend analyses. The post‑holder will be expected to contribute to the University’s financial wellbeing and international research profile, by delivering cash savings and other cost efficiencies, and supporting the knowledge creation and transfer which lies at the heart of the University’s Strategy 2030. The post‑holder will join a forward‑thinking, ambitious and supportive procurement team, already well advanced in a service transformation programme. As part of the wider Finance Directorate, we aim to deliver world‑class services to the University’s academic teaching and research staff and professional services colleagues, in keeping with the institution’s Top‑20 World Ranking.
You will engage directly with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that Procurement delivers innovative, fit‑for‑purpose solutions which are aligned to University objectives and Government policy.
Candidates will be encouraged to exercise initiative and discretion, taking ownership of strategic procurements that deliver maximum benefit across the University.
Your Skills And Attributes For Success
- Self‑motivated and proactive, with a passion to help shape and develop the service.
- Practical experience and sound theoretical knowledge of end‑to‑end tendering procedures, including use of eTendering systems.
- A solid grounding of in‑life contract and supplier relationship management.
- Good computing literacy and numerical analysis skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills and commercial judgement.
Required Documents
- CV
- Cover letter
Benefits
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family‑friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK.
On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key Dates
Closing date for applications: 26 November 2025. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm GMT. Interviews dates to be confirmed.
About Us
As a world‑leading research‑intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values‑led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About the Team
The Finance Department is responsible for the effective financial management, stewardship and long‑term financial health of the University, which has a turnover in excess of £900 million per year. It exercises control over the University’s finances, provides expert financial guidance particularly for key decision making, and provides an effective services and information for the financial conduct of the University’s business. It follows core values and behaviours to value and strengthen its team and delivery of its services – One Team; Expert; Innovation; Customer Focused; and Transparent.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Procurement Officer employer: The University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
The University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and contract management. This will not only help you understand the current landscape but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who work in academic institutions or similar environments. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed procurement projects in the past. Highlight your experience with tendering procedures and supplier relationship management, as these are crucial for the role and will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the University’s Strategy 2030 and align your understanding of procurement with their goals. Being able to discuss how your skills can contribute to their financial wellbeing and research profile will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of a Senior Procurement Officer. Highlight key skills such as tendering procedures, contract management, and stakeholder engagement in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your practical experience in procurement, eTendering systems, and supplier relationship management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for procurement and how you can contribute to the University’s financial wellbeing. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your initiative and problem-solving abilities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professionally presented to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Understand the Procurement Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in procurement, especially within the education sector. Being able to discuss recent developments or case studies will demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience with end-to-end tendering procedures and contract management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships in previous positions. Emphasise your communication and negotiation skills, providing concrete examples of how you’ve navigated complex discussions.
✨Demonstrate Initiative and Proactivity
The job requires a self-motivated individual who can take ownership of strategic procurements. Prepare to share instances where you took the initiative to improve processes or deliver cost efficiencies, showcasing your proactive approach to problem-solving.