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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 in science while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Procurement qualification or experience, knowledge of IT infrastructure, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: International applicants welcome; visa exemptions available.
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Join to apply for the IT Procurement Specialist role at European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
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
- 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
- Flexible working arrangements – including hybrid working patterns
- Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
- Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition public holidays
- Relocation package including installation grant (if required)
- 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)
- Family benefits: On-site nursery, 10 days of child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
- 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
- International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Please take a look at our International Applicants page for further information.
- EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
- 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.
- 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
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Information Technology
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Industries
Software Development
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IT Procurement Specialist employer: European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
Contact Detail:
European Bioinformatics Institute | 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 a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and IT sectors. Attend relevant webinars or local meetups to connect with individuals who may have insights into EMBL-EBI's culture and expectations, which can give you an edge during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed procurement processes in the past. Highlight any experience with RFQs/RFPs and vendor negotiations, as these are crucial for the role and will showcase your practical skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand EMBL-EBI's mission and values, particularly their focus on sustainability and collaboration. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, as cultural fit is often just as important as technical skills in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Procurement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in IT procurement, especially with large-scale IT infrastructure. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about the role and how your skills align with EMBL-EBI's values. Mention specific experiences that showcase your ability to manage procurement processes effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a procurement qualification (like CIPS) or relevant experience, make sure to emphasise this in both your CV and cover letter. This will help you stand out as a qualified candidate.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves liaising with various teams and suppliers, highlight your interpersonal and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the IT Procurement Specialist role. Familiarise yourself with procurement processes, especially in IT infrastructure, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these requirements.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves conducting market analysis and managing competitive bidding processes, prepare examples that demonstrate your analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've identified cost-saving opportunities or improved procurement strategies in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions about teamwork and communication, as this role requires collaboration with various teams. Prepare specific examples that highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance and Regulations
As compliance with internal rules and regulations is crucial, brush up on relevant procurement laws and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your procurement activities and any experiences you have had with contract management.
