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- Tasks: Support procurement of IT hardware and software, ensuring compliance and value for money.
- Company: Join EMBL-EBI, a leader in biological data analysis and dissemination.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and a vibrant campus life.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on global health and biodiversity while working in a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Procurement qualification or experience, knowledge of IT infrastructure, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: International applicants welcome; visa exemptions available.
IT Procurement Specialist
The IT Procurement Specialist will support the procurement of external IT hardware and software at EMBL-EBI, ensuring best practice and compliance with EMBL’s values, as well as relevant internal rules and regulations. The role’s primary objective is to support externally funded IT infrastructure, ensuring value for money is achieved across all procurement activities.
Working as part of a collaborative procurement team, the role will coordinate with Information Technology & Services (IT&S), Finance, Project Management, Legal, and wider Administration teams. This role involves close interaction with Group and Team leaders at both EMBL-EBI and EMBL Heidelberg.
Your role
EMBL-EBI Technical Procurement Activities
- Leading on externally funded tender requirements, with a key focus on large IT infrastructure hardware (Storage, HPC & Network), in addition to supporting large scale core funded tender activities.
- Conduct thorough market analysis to identify vendors, execute RFQs/RFPs, and manage competitive bidding processes for IT software and hardware solutions
- Identifying key areas for spend consolidation and cost saving opportunities.
- Liaise between suppliers, manufacturers and internal teams to ensure good communication of equipment deliveries, installation and acceptance.
- Supporting the delivery of the EMBL-EBI Procurement Strategy.
- Working directly with the IT&S teams to routinely ensure that assets are managed within ERP system and align to the Data Centre Infrastructure Management system (DCIM).
- Monthly tracking of actual and anticipated spend & budgets.
- Input into the wider shared sustainability objectives.
- Assist with generating spend analysis reports and statistics.
- Periodic review of EMBL-EBI approved suppliers.
- Provide absence cover to the Procurement Officer and Purchasing Officer.
- Other tasks determined by the Senior Procurement Manager, Senior Finance Manager and Head of EBI Administration & Operations.
EMBL-EBI IT Software Management
- Negotiate software licensing agreements (e.g., subscription models, perpetual licenses) and hardware supply contracts, ensuring favourable pricing, support services, warranties, and service-level agreements (SLAs)
- Oversee contract management from onboarding through lifecycle renewal, ensuring adherence to terms, amendments, and compliance with software licensing models and hardware warranties
- Working closely with EMBL-EBI Legal Services to implement new and manage existing agreements.
- Monitoring supplier compliance with contractual obligations
- Arranging and conducting periodic contract review meetings with key suppliers
- Undertake value for money reviews of existing contracts and arrangements.
- Liaising with IT&S to review hardware maintenance service levels.
You have
- Procurement qualification (CIPS) or qualified by experience
- Experience working in a finance and procurement environment
- Experience of procuring large scale IT infrastructure (Storage, HPC & Network)
- Knowledge of complex procurement processes
- Capable of working under own initiative
- Experience using SAP/Workday
- Comprehensive knowledge of MS Office, specifically MS Excel
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Flexible, energetic & able to work as part of a team
- Able to deal positively with change and adapt to new situations
- Attention to detail
- Excellent verbal and written skills
You may also have
- Experience of budget management
Contract length: 3 year fixed-term project-limited contract.
Salary: 5 (monthly salary starting at £3,229.13 after tax but excl. pension & insurances) + benefits
Visa: EMBL-EBI offers a visa exemption vignette. If a visa is required, information will be provided to the successful candidate upon offer.
Interviews: We plan to hold introductory meeting with selected candidates via Zoom, with remote panel interviews in July.
Why join us
Do something meaningful
At EMBL-EBI you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind\’s greatest challenges. EMBL-EBI, part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, is a worldwide leader in the storage, analysis and dissemination of large biological datasets. We provide the global research community with access to publicly available databases and tools which are crucial for the advancement of healthcare, food security, and biodiversity.
Join a culture of innovation
We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential. Watch this video to see how EMBL-EBI makes an impact.
Enjoy lots of benefits:
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Financial incentives:Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
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Flexible working arrangements – including hybrid working patterns
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Private medical insurancefor you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
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Generous time off:30 days annual leave per year, in addition public holidays
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Relocation packageincluding installation grant (if required)
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Campus life:Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
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Family benefits: On-site nursery, 10 days of child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
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Benefits for non-UK residents:Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.
For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here.
What else you need to know
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International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Please take a look at our International Applicants page for further information.
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EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
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Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ & individuals from all nationalities.
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How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
Closing Date: 07/07/2025
Make a difference
Whether you\’re a scientist, IT specialist, accountant or administrator, you\’ll help us tackle the challenges of improving human health & biodiversity in the face of climate change on a global scale.
Generous employee benefits
Please visit this page to find out more about the benefits at EMBL.
Need a visa?
No problem. Our special status enables us to hire talented individuals from across the globe. So far we have 76 nationalities. We would love to make it 77!
Find out how we support international applicants.
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IT Procurement Specialist employer: EMBL-EBI
Contact Detail:
EMBL-EBI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Procurement Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement, especially regarding large-scale infrastructure like Storage, HPC, and Network. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and IT sectors. Attend relevant industry events or join online forums where you can connect with others who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with procurement software like SAP or Workday. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used these tools to manage contracts or analyse spending, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively by highlighting past experiences where you successfully liaised with multiple teams. This role requires coordination with various departments, so demonstrating your teamwork skills will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Procurement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the IT Procurement Specialist role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially with large-scale IT infrastructure, and demonstrate how your skills align with EMBL-EBI's values and objectives.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your qualifications and experience related to procurement processes, particularly in IT. Include specific examples of past projects where you successfully managed vendor relationships or negotiated contracts.
Highlight Soft Skills: The role requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Make sure to mention instances where you've effectively collaborated with teams or communicated complex information clearly, as this is crucial for the collaborative nature of the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your cover letter and CV. Check for any grammatical errors or typos, as attention to detail is essential for this role. A polished application reflects your professionalism and commitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at EMBL-EBI
✨Understand the Procurement Process
Familiarise yourself with the procurement processes specific to IT hardware and software. Be prepared to discuss your experience with RFQs, RFPs, and competitive bidding, as well as how you ensure compliance with internal rules and regulations.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Highlight your ability to conduct thorough market analysis and identify cost-saving opportunities. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully consolidated spending in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
Since this role involves liaising with various teams and suppliers, emphasise your interpersonal skills. Prepare to discuss how you maintain effective communication and manage relationships with stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of large-scale IT infrastructure, including storage, HPC, and network systems. Be ready to answer technical questions and discuss your experience with relevant software and tools like SAP or Workday.
