At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for IT and Digital, shaping investment in innovative systems and software.
- Company: Join Bournemouth University, a forward-thinking institution committed to digital transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on digital progress while collaborating with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualified with 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 sourcing across our IT and Digital portfolio. This is a high-impact role where you will help shape investment in systems, software, cyber security, infrastructure, data and digital transformation.
Working as a trusted procurement business partner to senior leaders across the University, you will deliver compliant, high-value procurement solutions that enable innovation transformation, improve services and achieve best value.
About You
- MCIPS qualified
- Strong public procurement expertise
- Experience of complex IT / digital sourcing
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- Commercially astute and analytical
- Ideally experienced in Higher Education or public sector environments
What You’ll Do
- Lead complex IT procurements end-to-end
- Build category strategies aligned to BU2035
- Partner with Digital leaders
- Deliver savings, value and supplier performance improvements
- Support transformation programmes and strategic change
- Ensure compliance with Procurement Act 2023 and governance requirements
We support flexible working, with a hybrid approach of approximately 2–3 days per week on campus. Be part of a university where procurement plays a visible role in delivering digital progress and long-term success.
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
Procurement Category Manager – IT & Digital (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 the university's digital transformation while enjoying a competitive salary, generous benefits, and flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Join a collaborative team dedicated to delivering high-value procurement solutions and making a meaningful impact on the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager – IT & Digital (Internal Only) in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to colleagues and connections within Bournemouth University. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights into the role that you won't find in the job description.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the latest trends in IT procurement and digital transformation. Being able to discuss these topics will show you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in shaping the future at BU.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your stakeholder engagement skills! Think of examples where you've influenced decisions or improved processes. This is key for a role that requires collaboration with senior leaders.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to BU2035.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager – IT & Digital (Internal Only) in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Procurement Category Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your MCIPS qualification and public procurement expertise have made a difference in your previous roles. We want to see your impact!
Engage Stakeholders:Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders, include examples of how you've successfully engaged and influenced stakeholders in the past. This will show us you're ready for the high-impact nature of this position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 these apply to complex IT and digital sourcing will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are ready to lead strategic initiatives.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to demonstrate your excellent stakeholder engagement skills. Think of examples where you've influenced senior leaders or collaborated with teams to deliver high-value procurement solutions. This will highlight your ability to be a trusted partner in the procurement process.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've used your commercial acumen and analytical skills to drive savings and improve supplier performance. Bring specific examples of how your strategies have led to successful outcomes in previous roles, particularly in higher education or public sector environments.
✨Align with BU2035 Vision
Familiarise yourself with Bournemouth University's BU2035 vision and think about how your role as a Procurement Category Manager can contribute to this. Be prepared to share your ideas on building category strategies that align with their goals for digital transformation and innovation.
