Procurement Buyer – Place and Space, Teaching, STEM and Research, People and Development Services
Internal Applicants Only.
Salary: £28,778 rising to £31,236.
Full Time, Fixed Term (12 months).
Role overview: The 12 month fixed term Procurement Buyer role is an opportunity for early career procurement professionals or those wishing to transition into procurement. The role involves engaging stakeholders, suppliers, supporting procurement activities, contract negotiations, market research and developing procurement expertise.
Reporting to the Senior Category Manager, the Procurement Buyer will support and enable procurement colleagues across the category management structure and contribute to continuous improvement, governance, practice and process across the University.
Responsibilities
- Lead, undertake, manage and support procurement and contract management activities across the University.
- Provide exceptional customer service for internal and external stakeholders and suppliers, acting as the first point of call for procurement-related queries.
- Manage procurement operational processes to coordinate legislative requirements, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations.
- Facilitate quotes, tenders and call-offs from Framework Agreements or prepare tender documentation on e‑tendering solutions.
- Organise contract management meetings and contribute to supplier relationship management and supplier performance improvement activities.
- Assist, guide and facilitate University colleagues in the evaluation/moderation of tender responses where required.
- Work with Category Manager(s) and Senior Category Manager(s) to ensure the University meets its designated annual savings targets and support service and price negotiations with suppliers.
Skills and Qualifications
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong numeracy skills and ability to perform basic analysis and interpret data.
- Excellent collaborative working skills and strong customer service orientation.
- Proactive, adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent problem‑solving abilities.
- Strong operational and organisational skills.
- Proficiency with standard office software and computer literate.
Location and Working Conditions
Based at the Headington campus; hybrid working with a minimum of 1–2 days per week on campus.
Holiday entitlement: at least 25 days plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year).
Competitive local government pension scheme (19.2% employer contribution), financial education, employee assistance helpline and well‑being support.
Additional benefits include: discounted rates for university sports & gym facilities, on‑site nursery, discounted travel options, training and development opportunities and a connected community of staff networks.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to recruiting from a wide pool. As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
