Head of Procurement in Southampton

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish. We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long‑term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes. The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture. Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

As Head of Procurement, you’ll provide strategic leadership across tendering, purchasing, contract management, procurement governance and risk, ensuring we deliver a responsive, customer‑focused service that supports the organisation’s operational and strategic priorities. You’ll play a key role in responding to the Procurement Act 2023, ensuring our policies, processes and guidance support compliant and effective procurement while keeping bureaucracy proportionate. You’ll also lead the development of category management, procurement planning and sourcing approaches that improve value for money, supplier performance and commercial outcomes. Working closely with Strategic Finance, Legal, operational teams, project teams and senior stakeholders, you’ll provide expert advice and constructive challenge, helping NOC make well‑informed and commercially sound decisions. You’ll lead and develop a skilled procurement team, creating a culture of high performance, professional development and excellent service. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact on how NOC plans, delivers and manages procurement, while helping to strengthen the value and performance we achieve through our supply chain.

You will be an experienced procurement or commercial professional with a strong track record of leading procurement activity in a complex organisation. You’ll have a good understanding of procurement governance, public procurement requirements and compliance, alongside experience of category management, procurement planning and delivering value for money. You’ll be confident providing expert advice and constructive challenge, translating complex procurement requirements into practical and compliant processes. You’ll be comfortable working with senior stakeholders, influencing decision‑making and building strong relationships across different teams and functions. You’ll be a collaborative and customer‑focused leader who can develop and motivate a high‑performing team, while challenging existing ways of working and identifying opportunities to improve quality, efficiency and commercial outcomes. A relevant procurement or commercial qualification, or equivalent demonstrable experience, is essential, alongside degree‑level education or equivalent professional experience in procurement, commercial management, supply chain, law, finance or a related discipline.

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential 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 Living Wage Employer

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. We have a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

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.