Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for IT and professional services, driving innovation and efficiency.
- Company: Join the National Oceanography Centre, a leader in scientific research and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, flexible working, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that supports cutting-edge projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong relationship management skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available, with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 43703 - 47941 £ per year.
Procurement Category Manager – IT & Professional Services
Join to apply for the Procurement Category Manager – IT & Professional Services role at National Oceanography Centre
Salary and contract
Permanent, full‑time (37 hours per week). £43,703 – £47,941 per annum, plus a potential market supplement up to £3,000 based on experience and qualifications.
About the role
The Procurement Business Partner is part of the Strategic Procurement team and plays a crucial role in supporting the NOC\’s mission by providing professional procurement expertise. This position presents an exciting opportunity to join NOC Procurement as we advance our procurement strategies and evolve into a sustainable, innovative, agile, and strategic function.
This role acts as a Business Partner, strategic advisor, and procurement SME to nominated functions within the organisation, forging strong stakeholder relationships to deliver best practice procurement. You will support day‑to‑day operations and NOC projects by designing, implementing, and managing procurement strategies that align with stakeholder goals.
As a team operating in a fast‑paced, high‑tech, and scientific environment, we seek an innovative thinker capable of embracing ambiguity and collaborating effectively with key stakeholders. We are looking for an enthusiastic, tenacious, and resilient procurement specialist to support procurement activities across various categories, potentially including scientific or technical categories. This role involves ensuring high levels of service, maintaining governance and compliance with public procurement regulations (including the Procurement Act 2023), and promoting best practices across the supply chain.
As a Procurement Business Partner for IT & Professional Services, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the National Oceanography Centre’s mission by delivering expert procurement solutions across a diverse range of technology and professional service categories. You will work closely with stakeholders to develop and implement procurement strategies that enable innovation, efficiency, and value for money, while ensuring compliance with public sector regulations and NOC policies.
About you
We are seeking a candidate with a robust background in procurement, capable of effectively managing and prioritising multiple projects while fostering strong stakeholder relationships. Even if you cannot demonstrate all of the requirements, you will have:
- Experience acting as a subject matter expert and trusted business partner within cross‑functional teams, supporting IT and professional services procurement initiatives.
- Proven ability to deliver innovative sourcing solutions for complex IT and consultancy requirements, adapting to changing business and technology needs.
- Strong relationship management skills within a matrix organization, influencing stakeholders across IT, Finance, and Operations.
- Skilled in assessing organisational needs, translating these into clear supplier requirements, and evaluating proposals/contracts for IT and professional services.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and procedures, including compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.
- Experience creating category plans based on market, cost, and supplier analysis for IT services, ERP systems, and consultancy frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability in supplier relationship management, including performance oversight and whole‑life contract management for IT and professional services.
- Experience reviewing and negotiating supplier terms and preparing tender/framework documentation for technology and consultancy projects.
- Familiarity with a wide range of procurement solutions, including negotiation and competitive tendering for IT and professional services.
- Experience with ERP systems (Unit4 advantageous) and exposure to large public tenders, Public Contracting Regulations, and procurement reporting and analytics.
Why NOC?
We offer a generous set of benefits, including:
– 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
– Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
– Access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
– A Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
– A great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
– We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer
Location
This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car‑parking with over 40 EV charging points.
Hybrid working
The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.
Immigration & sponsorship
Under current UK immigration rules, NOC is only able to sponsor candidates who meet the relevant VISA requirements. Unfortunately, sponsorship is limited to certain categories of applicants such as those with a PhD in a relevant discipline or those qualifying under other exemptions. Applicants who do not meet the visa criteria will need to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Submitting an application
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up‑to‑date CV and cover letter. Please be aware that applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.
Relevant statements
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.
Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.
Dates
Date advert posted: 09/10/2025
Closing date: 06/11/2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Procurement Category Manager - IT & Professional Services employer: National Oceanography Centre
Contact Detail:
National Oceanography Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager - IT & Professional Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who work in IT and professional services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission at NOC.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills.
✨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 the NOC team and ready to dive into the procurement world.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager - IT & Professional Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in IT and professional services procurement, and don’t forget to showcase those strong relationship management skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role and how your background aligns with NOC's mission. Remember, applications without a cover letter won’t be considered!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver innovative sourcing solutions. Numbers and examples can really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Oceanography Centre
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public sector procurement regulations, especially the Procurement Act 2023. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, particularly in IT and professional services.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders across various functions. Think about times when you influenced decisions or collaborated effectively to achieve procurement goals.
✨Demonstrate Innovative Thinking
Be ready to share specific examples of innovative sourcing solutions you've developed for complex IT and consultancy requirements. This is your chance to show how you adapt to changing business needs and drive efficiency.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies when faced with ambiguity or challenges in procurement.
