Procurement Officer in High Wycombe

Part-time, 22.5 hours per week

Salary £33,951- £37,694

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. Our BNU community is a special place to work and study, where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed. Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do: dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Officer to join our Finance team. The purpose of the role is to support the Procurement Manager in the delivery and development of effective and flexible procurement processes, functions and service across the University and demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism and ethical behaviour at all times. The role will work to encourage continuous improvement through close collaboration and innovation to successful conclusion.

What we offer:

• A generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum pro rata, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• Training & development support opportunities
• Contributory pension scheme
• Discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• A range of staff discounts with major retailers

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you. For further information about this post, please contact Veronica Fatemi, Procurement Manager, via email Veronica.Fatemi@bnu.ac.uk. All applications are to be made in full and online.

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce, including people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles. Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process.

Closing Date: 2nd February 2026

Interview Date: W/C 9th February 2026

If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK. BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:

• Act as a key point of contact for procurement queries and guidance.
• Prioritise projects based on business requirement and deadlines.
• Develop and implement policies and provide advice to promote best practice throughout the University on all levels of expenditure to ensure value for money and sustainability is achieved.
• Foster adoption of consortia framework agreements.
• Identify and analyse any areas of concern and/or opportunity and formulate proposals for consideration by relevant managers and committees.
• Assist and guide departments in the identification of long-term strategic requirements, supplier relationships and market intelligence.
• Assist with the issuing of tenders on the University’s e-procurement system together with supporting stakeholders with the evaluation of tenders and supplier selection.
• Lead the development of purchasing information reports and analysis to inform and support planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Manage the P2P system and its interrelation with the finance systems and procedures.
• Support/assist with all complex or high-risk procurement and ensure compliance with UK public sector regulations.
• Support with the maintenance of the contracts register and use it to create the procurement plan.
• Advise on supplier contracts from both a commercial and legal viewpoint.
• Actively manage the supplier base and approve all new suppliers ensuring appropriate checks are evidenced.
• Review purchase orders to ensure value for money has been evidenced.
• Create efficient partnerships between the Finance Department and budget-holders.
• Develop strong working relationships with the other members of the Finance team.
• Actively be involved with SUPC and other consortia to attend sector training and networking events.
• Undertake such other duties as may be required commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post.
• Maintain an audit trail of accurate records for procurement decisions.

PERSON SPECIFICATION – Essential Criteria Only

Education, Qualifications & Training

• University Degree or equivalent
• Relevant CPD

Knowledge & Experience

• Extensive procurement experience across a broad range of goods and services
• Current practical knowledge of procurement practices and regulations
• Commercial skills including whole life costing methods and evidencing value for money
• Contract negotiation and management
• Broad commercial mind-set developed from experience working in a procurement environment
• Ability to present findings and maintain financial tracking for savings achieved

Skills

• Excellent communication and written skills
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel to off-site locations

Behavioural INDICATORS

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University.

• Delivering excellent service
• Working together
• Achieving results