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: Competitive salary, generous pension, 30 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on university transformation and student experience through innovative procurement strategies.
- 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.
This position does not meet the eligibility requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route within the UK Visa and Immigration service’s Points Based System. Therefore, BU will not be able to sponsor individuals who require permission to work to carry out this position.
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 (Internal Only) in Bournemouth employer: Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth and innovation. As a Procurement Category Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic procurement initiatives while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a robust pension scheme. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on education and society, all within the vibrant setting of Bournemouth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager – Academic & Professional Services (Internal Only) in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections at Bournemouth University or in the procurement field. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching BU2035 and how procurement plays a role in it. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of the university's vision and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with complex tenders and stakeholder engagement. We want to hear how you've made a difference in previous roles, so have those examples at the ready.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Bournemouth University.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager – Academic & Professional Services (Internal Only) in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your public procurement expertise and any relevant experience in higher education or the public sector.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:Since this role involves partnering with senior leaders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles.
Be Data-Driven:As a Procurement Category Manager, being commercially astute and data-driven is key. Include any metrics or outcomes from past projects that showcase your ability to deliver savings and measurable value.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bournemouth University
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your public procurement expertise and the latest regulations, especially the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss how you've led complex tenders and category strategies will show that you're the right fit for this role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged and influenced senior stakeholders in the past. This role requires excellent stakeholder engagement skills, so think about specific instances where you've delivered value or improved supplier performance.
✨Align with BU2035
Familiarise yourself with Bournemouth University's BU2035 vision. Be ready to discuss how your experience can contribute to their goals, particularly in delivering innovative category strategies and supporting transformation across academic and professional services.
✨Show Your Commercial Acumen
Demonstrate your commercial awareness by discussing how you've used data to drive decisions and deliver savings in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to be commercially astute will resonate well with the interviewers looking for a strategic partner.
