At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic procurement team to enhance services in Laboratories, Medical, and Veterinary sectors.
- Company: Join a prestigious university's award-winning procurement team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Great opportunity for ambitious individuals looking to grow their careers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic role that shapes the future of procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement with strong leadership and customer management skills.
The predicted salary is between 61759 - 61759 £ per year.
- CSG/ Procurement (Finance)
- Full time: 35 Hours per week
- Open-ended (permanent)
- Vacancies available: 1
We are now looking for great people to join our award-winning procurement team.
We are looking for people who make things happen, who challenge the status quo, are excited about working in a diverse, dynamic environment and really want to make a change.
This is a great opportunity to join one of the key strategic teams in the University, in the role of Category Head of Laboratories, Medical & Veterinary Medical (Labs).
Be part of our new Procurement journey.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Head of Strategic Procurement, the Category Head (Labs, Med & Vet Med) role is to lead, develop and manage a small, professional and high-quality procurement team, delivering procurement excellence for the University within the Laboratories (Labs), Medical (Med), Veterinary (Vet) and Agricultural Category.
This will include both (i) improving the service and value delivered to our internal stakeholders, as well as (ii) improving external supplier performance, to successful achieve our strategic procurement ambitions and support the University in achieving its overall strategic objectives.
The vast majority of equipment, goods and services bought by the Strategic Labs Team derive from the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine (CMVM) and the College of Science & Engineering (CSE), represented on the following University campuses across the Edinburgh region;
- Bio Quarter (mostly CMVM, some CSE)
- Easter Bush (CMVM)
- Kings Buildings (mostly CSE, some CMVM)
- Western General (CMVM)
- George Square (CMVM & CSE)
Some of the main responsibilities include
- Prepare and deliver annual commodity plans to achieve best practice indicators, focusing on improving category influence, value for money, deliver the University procurement capability and influence whole life costs and sustainable procurement.
- Develop the Labs procurement category in a strategic and operational nature, working in collaboration with Operational Procurement and Contract & Supplier Management teams, to ensue value for money and efficiencies are achieved across the University.
- Deliver commercial value to internal stakeholders and projects for their Labs, Medical and/or Vet Medical requirements, in line with the strategic ambitions of the project/department and University.
- Develop strategic and creative approaches to market through agreed commodity procurement strategies, in collaboration with key stakeholders, to support the University in achieving its strategic objectives
- Provide valuable supply market advice to stakeholders for current and future requirements with the aim of delivering additional commercial value for the University, achieving sustainability and social responsibility objectives, improving competition, and delivering efficiencies
- Manage, maintain and develop supply agreements for the University, carrying out contracting, tendering and sourcing exercises where required, and in line with relevant legislation.
- Deliver and embed appropriate contract and supplier management for the University’s supply relationships/ agreements, ensuring that optimal value is obtained throughout the life of the contract and that supply risks are mitigated.
- To reduce both capital and recurrent costs through effective routes to market against an agreed cost-savings targets.
- To manage, plan and demonstrate procurement leadership and good governance for a wide category of goods and services.
- Person
The ideal candidate for the Category Head (Labs, Med & Vet Med) post will be a talented, well-rounded leader with the following characteristics:
- A Professional Diploma (MCIPS), relevant degree or substantial experience in a procurement environment.
- Existing category knowledge within Laboratories, Medical and/or Veterinary Medical industry.
- Demonstrated experience in delivering procurement excellent and value for money in line with agreed targets.
- Several years’ experience delivering a relevant procurement service, showing knowledge appropriate to this high value technically diverse environment.
- Outstanding and highly responsive customer management skills.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills, along with the ability to make astute business decisions in collaboration with others.
- Ability to effectively lead and motivate a team of procurement professionals influencing
- Strong influencing skills to build trusted and successful relationships, as well as contributing to business strategies/cases and projects
- Experience evaluating and established framework agreements and contracts.
- Have good knowledge all legal aspects of general public procurement legislation and policies.
- This role is ideal for an ambitious person who would like to develop a career within one of Edinburgh's most prestigious organisations and make a key contribution to its ongoing success.
Category Head - Laboratories, Medical & Veterinary Medical in Midlothian employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets inclusivity. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to cutting-edge research in cyber-security. Located in Glasgow, the university fosters a vibrant community that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all staff members.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Head - Laboratories, Medical & Veterinary Medical in Midlothian
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like The University of Edinburgh.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Head - Laboratories, Medical & Veterinary Medical in Midlothian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to The University of Edinburgh:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to The University of Edinburgh. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like The University of Edinburgh.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at The University of Edinburgh!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at The University of Edinburgh. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into The University of Edinburgh's culture.
