At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic purchasing initiatives and implement supplier agreements across various categories.
- Company: Join the dynamic Procurement team at a world-leading university.
- Benefits: Enjoy 43 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous salary package.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving organisational success and making impactful changes.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About the role
Are you a strategic purchasing professional? Do you have experience in working in a fast-paced Procurement team? Do you want to be a key member of a team that drives organisational success?
We are looking to appoint a strategic purchasing adviser to join the University’s Procurement team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role with principal responsibility for the implementation and adoption of preferred supplier agreements on an Imperial-wide basis and monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of such agreements and of establishing supplier agreements to facilitate the consolidation of Imperial’s supplier base in areas where there is relatively medium/low value purchasing activity.
What you would be doing
- Lead and Co-ordinate the implementation and adoption of preferred supplier agreements covering the broad range of different supply categories including support services, IT, laboratory, specialised services and other goods and services from time to time purchased by Imperial.
- Provide professional procurement advice and consultation to departmental managers and buyers across departments that support the contract management and delivery process including from time to time the development and drafting of technical specifications, competitive tendering and supplier evaluation and selection.
- Ensure the effective communication, promotion and marketing of purchasing agreements and provide professional advice/guidance as required.
- Deliver cost reductions through the implementation of modern and professional strategic purchasing techniques ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
- Support the established of the buyer network and drive procurement activities/improvements and ensure these activities are conducted in accordance with Prince II project management methodologies.
- Be an active member of relevant working groups and committees and represent and promote the Procurement team to ensure that issues are raised appropriately and acted upon accordingly.
What we are looking for
- Experience of a Procurement role working in a complex environment in either the public or private sector.
- Demonstrable experience of managing procurement programmes and projects delivering important change.
- Ability to analyse external market and management reports to inform decision-making.
- Experience and self-sufficiency in the use of the following computer software: Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to be a key player in a team that is integral to the smooth running of Imperial’s Procurement Team.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
- Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
- Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
This is a full-time post (35 hours per week). Candidates are required to complete an online application. Due to the nature of this role, we will be shortlisting candidates as applications are received. We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy as soon as a suitable candidate has been appointed. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as possible to avoid disappointment.
Should you require any further details on the role please contact Finance Development at finance-development@imperial.ac.uk
Strategic Purchasing Advisor employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the International Relations Office. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact, all set in the heart of one of the world's leading academic institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Purchasing Advisor
✨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 Imperial College London.
✨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 Strategic Purchasing Advisor
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 Imperial College London:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Imperial College London. 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 Imperial College London.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨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 Imperial College London!
✨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 Imperial College London. 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 Imperial College London's culture.
