Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement processes and manage supplier relationships to drive savings and sustainability.
- Company: Join Lancaster University, a top-ranked institution committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, pension schemes, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the university's journey to Carbon Net Zero by 2035.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and a passion for process improvement are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 39906 - 46049 £ per year.
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full‑time indefinite)
Closing Date: Sunday 26 April 2026
Interview Date: Tuesday 05 May 2026
Reference: 0231-26
This job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University.
Lancaster University is among the best in the UK. Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2026 and consistently placed in the top 15 in major UK league tables, we’re also highly ranked in international league tables such as the QS World Rankings.
This vacancy is an opportunity to join a dynamic team in a unique sector and to help shape and deliver our strategy. Procurement at Lancaster has undergone significant transformation in recent years. The team continues to expand its reach and is forward‑thinking in its approach to managing the full range of Purchase to Pay and Source to Contract activity for the University’s non‑pay expenditure of around £100m per year.
The University has declared a Climate Emergency and set an ambitious target to be Carbon Net Zero by 2035. The Procurement team plays a key role in the delivery of this target. The Higher Education (HE) sector purchases an unparalleled range of goods and services. The Procurement team at Lancaster work with world‑leading academics and colleagues from other Professional Services areas such as Facilities and Information Systems. A wide variety of categories are managed including Laboratory Supplies & Equipment, Travel, IT, Construction, Maintenance, and Business Support Services.
Procurement at Lancaster is a well‑established and mature function. We score highly on the sector‑wide best practice procurement indicators and set stretch goals to continuously improve. This is a large and ambitious team within a people‑focused organisation providing opportunities to progress and develop.
Senior Buyer Role
The Senior Buyer role requires experience in all parts of the procurement process from sourcing and tendering through to supplier management and purchase to pay. Prior experience in a relevant category is an advantage, however, you will work with technical Subject Matter Experts to deliver compliant and commercial procurement processes. You will lead a supplier management programme that delivers savings and soft benefits in line with the University’s strategy including our ambitious aim of achieving Carbon neutrality by 2035.
You will have a proven track record of implementing successful process improvement, gaining buy‑in from colleagues, and training others. Prior experience working in the HE Sector is not essential and we welcome applications from candidates with experience gained in the private sector or the wider public sector. The role is full‑time but applications for flexible working will be considered. The University operates a hybrid working model and around 40% of this role can be delivered effectively from home.
We offer a comprehensive set of benefits in addition to competitive salaries: final salary pension schemes, work‑life balance, training including CIPS Study & promotion opportunities, and staff recognition schemes.
Person Specification
All advertised roles are UK based. Find out what it’s like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family‑friendly workplace. The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues. We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Senior Buyer - 0231-26 employer: Lancaster University
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - 0231-26
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Lancaster University on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Procurement team’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in how they’re tackling the Climate Emergency and improving procurement processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in procurement and how it aligns with Lancaster's goals. We want to hear about your successes and how you can contribute to our ambitious targets.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at Lancaster University.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - 0231-26
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Senior Buyer role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in procurement. We want to see how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in areas like supplier management and process improvement.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around sourcing, tendering, and supplier management. Familiarise yourself with the specific categories Lancaster University deals with, like Laboratory Supplies and IT. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.
✨Showcase Your Process Improvement Skills
Be ready to discuss examples of how you've successfully implemented process improvements in your previous roles. Think about times when you gained buy-in from colleagues or trained others. This is crucial for the Senior Buyer position, so have those stories at the tip of your tongue!
✨Align with Their Carbon Neutral Goals
Since Lancaster University has set an ambitious target for carbon neutrality by 2035, it's important to demonstrate your understanding of sustainability in procurement. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have about how procurement can contribute to these goals, showing that you're aligned with their vision.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the team, the procurement strategy, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.