At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for Academic and Professional Services at Bournemouth University.
- Company: Join Bournemouth University, a forward-thinking institution committed to inspiring learning and advancing knowledge.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experience and operational excellence while influencing major investment decisions.
- Qualifications: Full MCIPS or equivalent, strong public procurement expertise, and excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Join Bournemouth University at an exciting point in its journey as we deliver BU2035 – To Learn is to Change. We are seeking an experienced Procurement Category Manager to lead strategic procurement across Academic and Professional Services categories. You will act as a trusted business partner to senior stakeholders, delivering innovative category strategies, compliant procurements, value for money, supplier performance and sustainable outcomes. This is an opportunity to influence major investment decisions, support transformation, research, student experience and operational excellence across a forward-thinking university.
About You
- Full MCIPS (or equivalent experience)
- Strong public procurement expertise
- Experience leading complex tenders and category strategies
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- Commercially astute and data-driven
- Ideally Higher Education or public sector experience
What You’ll Do
- Lead end-to-end complex procurement exercises
- Build category plans aligned to BU2035
- Partner with senior leaders
- Deliver savings and measurable value
- Improve supplier performance and contract outcomes
- Ensure compliance with Procurement Act 2023 and relevant regulations
We support flexible working, with a hybrid approach of approximately 2–3 days per week on campus. Be part of a team where procurement makes a visible strategic difference.
About the department
Our Procurement and Contract Management team has transformed significantly over the past few years and continues to evolve as we support delivery of BU2035. We are a collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking team who partner with colleagues across the University to deliver value, innovation and excellent service. Continuous improvement is a key part of our culture, and we work together to improve processes, increase efficiency and create a positive experience for stakeholders and suppliers alike.
About us
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. 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.
More than just a job!
Working for BU provides you with access to a fantastic range of benefits.
Core Package:
- PAY– a competitive salary with opportunities for pay progression
- PENSION– a valuable defined benefit pension with generous employer contributions
- HOLIDAY– Annual leave entitlement of 30 days plus bank holidays and winter closure (pro rata if part time)
- WORK LIFE BALANCE –flexible working arrangements including opportunities for hybrid working and flexitime (role dependant)
You will also have access to a wide range of voluntary benefits:
- Health & Wellbeing: Employee assistance programme, dental care scheme, health cash plan
- Financial & Discounts: Discounts including a reduction of fees for family members who study at BU
- Travel: Cycle to work scheme, secure bike stores, showers and lockers, free bus travel between campuses, discounted bus travel
- Sports & Activities: Sport BU has a wide range of activities which staff can access
- Family: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, on-site nursery with discounts for BU staff
- Modern, vibrant campus locations: Bright and flexible work and meeting spaces, with on-site food outlets and coffee shops
A job description for this position is available at the top of this page. If you require this in a different format, please contact us at [email protected].
Procurement Category Manager – Academic & Professional Services in Bournemouth employer: Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries and generous leave entitlements, staff are empowered to achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the university's transformative vision. Join a collaborative team where your expertise in procurement will make a tangible impact on academic and professional services, supporting innovation and excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager – Academic & Professional Services in Bournemouth
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Bournemouth University.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager – Academic & Professional Services in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Bournemouth University:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Bournemouth University. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Bournemouth University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bournemouth University
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Bournemouth University!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Bournemouth University. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Bournemouth University's culture.
