At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing of consumables and equipment for vital research at Kew.
- Company: Join the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a leader in plant science.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a mission to protect plants and fungi for future generations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in plant and fungal research while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Organised, detail-oriented with experience in purchasing or financial records.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Science Operations team at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, one of the world's most iconic scientific and horticultural institutions. As the Senior Technician (Purchasing), you will play a vital role in keeping Kew's research running smoothly — managing the purchasing of consumables & equipment and ensuring scientists and researchers have what they need to do their work. Based at Kew, this is a varied and hands-on role at the heart of a world-leading plant and fungal science programme.
We are looking for an organised and efficient individual with a background in a relevant technical or scientific role, and a genuine commitment to working within a team. You will have a keen eye for detail and a methodical approach to record-keeping, and the ability to apply your skills practically in a busy research environment. Experience of purchasing, invoicing, or maintaining financial records would be an advantage, as this will be part of the day-to-day duties of the role.
Following a recent restructuring, purchasing across the Research Infrastructure team has been centralised, and this role offers real scope to help shape how the team works going forward. We need someone who can think creatively about problems and build practical solutions — whether that is designing forms to capture ordering information, developing tracking spreadsheets, or finding smarter ways to consolidate expenditure. You will be a confident communicator, able to work closely with laboratory staff, finance and procurement colleagues, and visiting researchers. The ability to manage competing priorities and to pick up new systems quickly are both essential. Experience of supporting less experienced colleagues, and an interest in plant or fungal research, would be a bonus.
About Us: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth. We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably.
Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst. We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
Senior Technician (Purchasing) in Westcott employer: ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at one of the world's leading scientific institutions. As a Senior Technician (Purchasing), you will benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave, wellbeing support, and access to stunning gardens. Join us in our mission to protect and understand the vital role of plants and fungi in our world, while enjoying a fulfilling career in a collaborative and innovative setting.
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Technician (Purchasing) in Westcott
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team at Kew! Research who you'll be working with and what their roles are. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the Science Operations team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of examples where you've creatively tackled challenges in purchasing or record-keeping. Being able to share these experiences will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and contribute to the team's success.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! Prepare to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with colleagues in the past. Highlighting your teamwork abilities will reassure them that you can work closely with laboratory staff and finance teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining Kew and contributing to our mission of protecting plants and fungi.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Technician (Purchasing) in Westcott
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in purchasing and technical roles. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of our Science Operations team at Kew!
Show Off Your Organisational Skills:Since this role is all about keeping things running smoothly, be sure to showcase your organisational abilities. Mention any systems or processes you've implemented in previous roles that helped streamline operations.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:We’re looking for someone who thrives in a team environment. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with colleagues in the past, especially in busy research settings. It’s all about showing us you can communicate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Kew.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Senior Technician (Purchasing) at Kew. Familiarise yourself with the specific purchasing processes and how they support scientific research. Brush up on any relevant technical or scientific knowledge that could come up during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires a keen eye for detail and a methodical approach, be prepared to discuss your organisational strategies. Bring examples of how you've managed competing priorities in the past, and maybe even share a tracking spreadsheet or form you've designed to streamline processes.
✨Communicate Confidently
As a Senior Technician, you'll need to work closely with various teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with laboratory staff and finance colleagues during the interview.
✨Be Creative with Solutions
The job calls for someone who can think creatively about problems. Prepare to discuss instances where you've developed practical solutions in a busy environment. Whether it’s designing forms or finding smarter ways to consolidate expenditure, have a few examples ready to showcase your innovative thinking.
