At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join UCAS, the leading admissions service connecting people to higher education.
- Benefits: Up to £41,000 salary, hybrid working, 30 days leave, and wellness support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with training opportunities and a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your career in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: A-Level or equivalent in business, with some procurement experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36900 - 45100 £ per year.
Location: South West, Gloucestershire, Rosehill - Hybrid
Contract Type: Fixed-term contract (Up to 12 months)
About UCAS: UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges as well as delivering a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers.
About the role:
- During this 12 month maternity cover, you will partner with business leaders across the organisation and support Commercial Managers, adhering to procurement policy and controls with a level of commercial insight and acumen.
Key accountabilities:
- Manage end to end tender processes and renewals for significant suppliers that support delivery of critical activities from requirements gathering, building specifications, evaluation of tenders, contract awards and commercial support to contact owners during contract duration.
- Recommend and implement continuous Category Management improvements.
- Undertake the development, review and negotiation of medium sized, medium-term contracts, ensuring the delivery of the commercial plan and business requirements.
- Deliver supplier cost reduction targets from new and existing contracts, identifying increased efficiencies and improvements.
- Ensure contract performance and risk management from procurement to contract end.
- Manage relationships with stakeholders and confidently lead dialogue with these stakeholders throughout the procurement process.
- Proactively engage with supplier base for market intelligence, innovation and influence best practice on procurement processes.
Skills, qualifications, and experience:
- Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent in a business-related subject.
- CIPS part qualified or working towards.
- Some previous experience of working in or supporting a procurement management team within a larger matrix management structure.
- Conversant with tendering requirements from conception through to contract delivery and award, through to effective relationship management.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and eProcurement tools.
- Good interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.
- Able to work under pressure and within strict deadlines.
- Good business acumen.
- Possess strong influencing skills and the ability to influence and motivate others using personal rather than positional power.
Package:
- Salary - up to £41,000
- Purpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity.
- Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications through our development academies.
- Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35-hour week and flexible contracts.
- 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave.
- Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools.
- Onsite facilities including a free gym, subsidised café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office.
- Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders.
- Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex-gratia bonus for going above and beyond.
At UCAS, we recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to delivering a fair and equitable recruitment process where applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills. If you are interested in this vacancy, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still apply.
If you have any questions and would like to find out more about the role before applying please email the Talent Acquisition team via careers@ucas.ac.uk and one of us will be in touch.
Assistant Commercial Manager employer: UCAS
UCAS is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque South West, Gloucestershire, offering a purpose-driven work environment that connects individuals to higher education opportunities. With a strong commitment to employee growth through internal training and mentoring, a hybrid working model, and a supportive culture that prioritises wellbeing, UCAS ensures that its team members thrive both personally and professionally. The inclusive atmosphere, coupled with attractive benefits such as generous annual leave and onsite facilities, makes UCAS a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Commercial Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show UCAS that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, UCAS can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows UCAS that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let UCAS know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCAS
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
