At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing and contract processes while collaborating with various internal teams.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leader in the fight against cancer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while gaining valuable experience in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong organisational skills are preferred.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 43000 £ per year.
£38,000 - £43,000 plus benefits. Reports to: Commercial Operations Manager. Directorate: Research & Innovation. Contract: Permanent. Hours: Full time 35 hours per week. Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (High Flex 1-2 days per week on site). Closing date: Tuesday 7th July 23:55pm. Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
What will you be doing?
- Support the coordination of purchasing and contract processes for TI (Therapeutic Innovation).
- Work with internal teams (Commercial Partnerships, Legal, Procurement, Finance, Technology) to ensure smooth supplier interactions.
- Provide administrative and operational support for procurement and contracting activities.
- Assist with pricing updates, raising and receipting purchase orders, and commercial reporting.
- Maintain accurate contract and supplier records, including approvals, renewals, and obligations tracking.
- Support due diligence checks and maintain supplier information in compliance with policies.
- Contribute to process improvements by suggesting ways to streamline workflows.
- Act as a first point of contact for routine supplier queries and escalate complex issues as needed.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Monitor CRH TI Commercial Helpdesk tickets, triage and resolve where possible, escalating to other Operations Team members as required.
- Support and provide cover for team members as needed.
- Ad hoc duties as required.
What are we looking for?
- Experience in contract management, ideally in the Life Sciences sector.
- Understanding of commercial terms, procurement processes, and risk management would be highly advantageous.
- Experience working with procurement and contract management software.
- Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Good communication skills and confidence in working with diverse stakeholders.
- Proactive, solution-oriented mindset and willingness to learn.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance and take positive steps in your career. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Procurement Associate employer: Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment at the Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous benefits package and diverse career development opportunities, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and inclusivity, where your contributions make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Associate
✨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 Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
✨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 Associate
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 Cancer Research UK (CRUK):Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Cancer Research UK (CRUK). 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 Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
✨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 Cancer Research UK (CRUK)!
✨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 Cancer Research UK (CRUK). 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 Cancer Research UK (CRUK)'s culture.
