Head of Procurement in Cardiff, Wales

At Cardiff Met, procurement is central to how we deliver value, sustainability and impact across our University. As Head of Procurement, you will play a key role in shaping how we buy and collaborate; supporting our academic and professional communities as we deliver our Strategy 2030 ambitions. This is a senior leadership role, combining commercial expertise with a clear sense of purpose. You will guide a proactive, customer-focused procurement function that balances value for money with sustainability, social responsibility and legislative compliance, contributing meaningfully to how we operate as a modern, values-driven university.

Additionally, you will:

• Support and develop a high performing Procurement team.
• Ensure all procurement activity aligns with the University’s strategic goals, legislative compliance and good practice.
• Contribute to collaborative contracting activities of Higher Education Purchasing Consortia.
• Oversee contract and performance management activity across the University.
• Build trusted relationships with schools and professional services staff to support strategic and operational procurement decision making.

What you will bring:

We are looking for an experienced procurement leader with a strong track record of working in a large, complex organisation. You will bring extensive knowledge of procuring and managing contracts across a diverse range of goods, services and capital projects, alongside a practical working knowledge of contract law, financial regulations and control frameworks. You will also be familiar with the Public Contracts Regulations, Welsh Government procurement policy initiatives and the wider higher education policy environment. You will combine commercial awareness with the ability to think strategically, identifying risk and challenging established processes, behaviours and cultures where improvement is needed. Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills are essential, with the confidence to influence, negotiate and explain complex concepts clearly to non-finance audiences. Experience of leading and developing people will be equally important, with a focus on building capability and a customer focused procurement culture.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University? We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you will find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.