APUC - Chief Executive - Position Profile
APUC - Chief Executive - Position Profile
APUC - Chief Executive - Position Profile
Found this story interesting?
Share it with others!
APUC is a robustand well-regarded organisation, which has an important and distinctive role insupporting universities and colleges across Scotland as well as other publicsector bodies within the UK. Workingcollaboratively with our members and partners through procurement andassociated services, APUC delivers value and contributes to transformation, efficiencyand wider sustainability.
With the imperative of delivering transformation and efficiency within the Further and Higher sector, and beyond, APUC is uniquely well placed to expand and develop the scope, model and services delivered. This is an exciting moment which presents real opportunity for an experienced and collaborative leader to build on the strong foundation of APUC and to develop and expand the scope and scale of the shared services and opportunities within APUC.
We are looking forsomeone who will bring energy and ambition to the role, while valuing thecollaborative ethos that sits at the heart of APUC. For the right person, thisis an opportunity to lead a highly regarded organisation, shape its futuredirection and make a real contribution to the transformation, efficiency andsustainability of Scotland’s further and higher education sector.
Chair of APUC Board
Introduction to APUC
APUC is the procurement andshared services centre of expertise for Scotland’s universities and colleges.Owned by the sector, its purpose is to maximise the value of investment infurther and higher education through collaborative procurement, shared servicesand innovation.
Since its formation in 2007,APUC has become a trusted partner to the sector, managing more than 180framework agreements, operating a leading contract management system, andproviding procurement services to over 30 institutions. The APUC Hunterplatform supports contract and supplier management across the sector, helpinginstitutions improve efficiency, sustainability and value for money.
APUC employs around 95 peopleacross offices in Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh, with shared servicecolleagues based within partner institutions throughout Scotland. Theorganisation has a highly engaged and professional workforce, underpinned byits values of Together, Exceptional, Impact and Trust. Flexible and hybridworking arrangements support its ambition to be the employer of choice forpublic procurement professionals in Scotland.
Building on a strongreputation and proven track record, APUC is entering its next phase of growth.As universities and colleges face increasing financial pressures and a need fortransformation, there is significant opportunity to expand the use of APUC’sframeworks, further develop the Hunter platform, and broaden its shared-serviceoffering. The organisation is well placed to strengthen its role as a strategicpartner to the tertiary education sector while exploring opportunities toextend its expertise across the wider public sector.
The Opportunity
Job Title:Chief Executive Offcier
Reports to:Chair of the Board
Location:Central Scotland
*NB:APUC offers a hybrid and flexible working environment. The successful candidate will be expected to be visible across the main APUC offices (including the Headquarters in Stirling) and travel across Scotland (and the UK) will be required.
Current Structure Chart
Following the decision by thecurrent Chief Executive, to step down from his role, APUC is seeking a newChief Executive to lead the organisation through an exciting and importantphase of its evolution. Building on a strong platform, established reputationand trusted stakeholder relationships, the incoming Chief Executive will havethe opportunity to shape APUC's future direction, expand its influence and leadthe organisation through a period of growth, innovation and sector-widecollaboration.
Reporting to the Chair of theBoard, the CEO will provide strategic, operational and commercial leadership toAPUC, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver exceptional value to itsmembers while identifying and realising new opportunities for growth,collaboration and sector-wide impact. The Chief Executive will act as theprincipal ambassador for APUC, strengthening and enhancing its reputation asScotland's leading procurement and shared services Centre of Expertise, whilstensuring the organisation remains responsive to the evolving needs of thehigher and further education sectors and the wider public sector landscape.
The successful candidate will inherit a respected organisation with six direct reports, strong stakeholder relationships, established services and a solid platform for future growth. Building on these foundations, they will lead the next phase of APUC's development through increasing utilisation of its framework agreements across the sector, expanding adoption of the Hunter platform within and beyond higher and further education, strengthening strategic partnerships and supporting the development of both procurement and non-procurement shared-service models.
The Board have asked thecurrent Chief Executive, Angus Warren, to remain with APUC on a part-time baseto support the incoming Chief Executive by leading on the delivery of the critical SucseedProgramme - a strategic initiative funded by the Scottish Funding Council toexplore and develop new collaborative and shared-service models acrossScotland's tertiary education sector.
To have a positive impact in the role you will:
- Provide visible, values-ledleadership, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culturewhere colleagues are empowered to excel and contribute to APUC's continuedsuccess.
- Lead the development anddelivery of APUC's next phase of growth, innovation and impact, ensuring theorganisation remains agile, responsive and well positioned to meet the evolvingneeds of the tertiary education sector.
- Strengthen APUC's profile,influence and reputation across higher education, further education and thewider public sector, acting as a visible ambassador for the organisation andits members.
- Increase the utilisation andvalue generated through APUC's portfolio of framework agreements, working withinstitutions and stakeholders to address barriers to adoption and maximisecollaborative procurement benefits across the sector.
- Expandawareness, adoption and commercial opportunities associated with APUC's Hunterplatform, building on its established position within Scotland's colleges anduniversities and identifying opportunities to extend its reach across the widerpublic sector and other sectors.
- Build trusted and effectiverelationships with members, partners, stakeholders and sector bodies, creatinggreater collaboration, stronger partnerships and enhanced sector-wide impact.
- Ensure APUC continues todeliver meaningful and sustainable outcomes for member institutions throughoperational excellence, strong governance, financial sustainability, value formoney and long-term sector resilience.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead delivery of APUC’s strategy, ensuring alignment with its purpose, values and long-term goals.
- Shape future direction, identifying opportunities to increase APUC’s impact across Scotland’s tertiary education and public sectors.
- Turn strategy into clear priorities, measurable outcomes and delivery plans.
- Advise the Board on strategy, governance, performance, opportunities and risk, providing regular updates on progress and priorities.
Organisational Leadership
- Provide visible, values-led leadership that fosters a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture.
- Develop organisational capability through effective leadership, succession planning and talent development.
- Build an environment that encourages innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
- Act as APUC’s lead ambassador, strengthening its reputation and influence across Scotland, the UK and beyond.
- Build strong relationships with member institutions, government bodies, partners and other key stakeholders.
- Represent APUC at sector events and networks, promoting its value and impact.
- Lead APUC’s next phase of growth, increasing the value and use of its frameworks, shared services and digital solutions.
- Drive the development and adoption of Hunter and other organisational capabilities.
- Develop partnerships and new opportunities that enhance sustainability, value creation and sector-wide impact.
- Champion innovative procurement and shared-service models, including the successful transition of new initiatives into sustainable services.
Governance, Finance & Operations
- Serve as Senior Accountable Officer, ensuring high standards of governance, compliance and accountability.
- Lead financial planning and sustainability, managing funding arrangements and developing new income opportunities.
- Maintain effective controls for risk, finance, health and safety, operational performance and regulatory compliance.
- Ensure programmes and services are delivered efficiently and continue to meet member needs.
Preferred Candidate Profile
We are seeking an accomplishedleader with demonstrable experience leading strategic growth, enhancingorganisational effectiveness and efficiency, and delivering measurableimprovements within complex stakeholder environments. The successful candidatewill bring strong commercial judgement, a collaborative leadership style andthe ability to build trusted relationships across a diverse stakeholdercommunity. Experience of procurement, shared services, collaborative servicedelivery or the higher or further education sector would be advantageous but isnot essential.
- Significant leadershipexperience gained within environments characterised by multiple stakeholders,competing priorities and organisational complexity.
- A track record of contributingto strategic growth, organisational transformation, operational effectivenessand efficiency within complex organisations.
- Strong financial managementcapability, including experience of budgeting, financial planning, commercialdecision-making and organisational sustainability.
- The ability to develop,influence and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders,including boards, funding bodies, partner organisations, customers and regulators.
- Excellent communication,negotiation and influencing skills, with the credibility to represent anorganisation externally and engage diverse stakeholder groups.
- Experience operatingsuccessfully within complex governance structures and politically sensitiveenvironments, balancing organisational priorities with broader stakeholderinterests.
- An understanding of howcollaboration, partnerships and shared-service models can be used to deliverimproved outcomes, efficiency and long-term value.
- An appreciation ofsustainability, environmental, social and ethical considerations, and the rolethey play in effective organisational and supply chain decision‑making.
- An appreciation of the role that UK jurisdictions and procurement controls can play in shaping procurement decision‑making in the public sector.
- Experience managing change and leading high‑level stakeholders in complex, cross‑sid processes and electronic procurement systems across public sector.
Remuneration & Recruitment Process
Pension: Membership of a University sector pension scheme
Holiday: Equivalent to 40 days (280 hours)
Recruitment Process
The recruitment for thisposition is being managed by our advising consultants, Livingston James.
Livingston James will conductinitial conversations prior to discussing candidates with APUC.
Interested candidates should provide a tailored CV and covering letter, outlining their suitability and motivation for applying to douglasadam@livingstonjames.com .
Recruitment timetable:
Closing date for applications:Monday 2nd November
Shortlist Discussion (Livingston James & APUC):Friday 20th November
APUC is an equal opportunitiesemployer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified andeligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexualorientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancyand maternity.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this role with you.
If you have any questions about anything mentioned in this position profile, please get in touch.
- 2nd Floor, 218 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5SG
- 1st Floor, 69a George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2JG
#J-18808-Ljbffr
