At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovative research projects by managing procurement processes and contracts.
- Company: Join UK Research & Innovation, a leader in scientific research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave entitlements.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on world-class research while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualification or relevant experience preferred; strong communication skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 37841 - 37841 £ per year.
Salary: £37,841 per annum, plus £2,500 Specialist Allowance if MCIPS qualified
Band: UKRI Band D
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 Months)
Hours: Full-time (Flexible working available)
Location: Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire – Hybrid working available (Min 2 days per week in the office)
Closing Date: 25th August 2026
Job Overview:
UK Research & Innovation has a mission to build a thriving, inclusive research and innovation system that connects discovery to prosperity and public good. An important part of this mission is procuring the goods, services, and partners critical to achieving these aims. If you are interested in contributing and helping to shape the UK’s world class research and innovation system to benefit lives, then UKRI has an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional to join the team supporting UKRI in all its procurement activities!
As a Procurement Officer, you will be joining an established, supportive team and will be involved in a wide variety of projects ranging from Research & Development, Professional Services, and Data and Technology. You will have the opportunity to shape commercial strategy, develop your own skills & experience, and contribute to projects that may have wide-ranging positive impacts for all.
UKRI buys a wide variety of complex and sometimes unique products and services including equipment, professional services and infrastructure to support a range of end-users. The UKRI Commercial Function provides a range of commercial support to the whole organisation. The majority of its effort is focussed on the management of the whole procurement cycle including planning, sourcing and contract management in a compliant manner while providing value for money.
About the role:
UKRI are recruiting a Procurement Officer based at Harwell, Oxfordshire. This role is supporting world class cutting-edge scientific research at the UK’s leading research campus.
Key Responsibilities:
- Procurement Officer, working with and reporting to Procurement Managers, support research staff on all their complex procurement projects.
- Draft and Publish Tender Documents compliant with UK Public Sector Procurement Regulations.
- Maintaining Contract folders in a regulated environment with clear audit trail.
- Undertake multiple procurement sourcing/contracting actions as required using the most appropriate route to market in line with UKRI Procurement Policy.
- Provide advice when requirement must be directed to the shared service centre.
- Support Procurement Managers in Tender Evaluation Moderation Meetings.
- Provide local expertise and support to end-users to undertake a range of procurement tasks (varying in both value and complexity) including sourcing and contracting.
Personal Specification:
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
- MCIPS Qualified or relevant experience or willingness to work towards MCIPS (S).
- Experience of working in a commercial role in an organisation in a regulated environment, working to standard operating procedures (S).
- Experience of using IT systems in a commercial role (S).
- Experience of updating and keeping organised records (S&I).
- Clear written English for accurately drafting contracts (S).
- Understand the context and meaning of terms and conditions (S).
- Be customer focused, able to deal with key stakeholder questions and queries (S&I).
- Willingness to adopt new practices in a changing regulatory environment (I).
- Accountable and forthcoming in communication to solve problems as a team (I).
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning.
A list of benefits below:
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- 30 days annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
- Flexible working options
- Plus, many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance.
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager.
About Us:
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
How we support EDI in the workforce:
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community.
Disability Confident Employer:
As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Procurement Officer in Harwell employer: UKRI
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, the LMB provides comprehensive training opportunities and encourages continuous learning, making it an ideal place for HR professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the scientific community. Located in the vibrant Cambridge Biomedical Campus, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork, ensuring a rewarding career path in Human Resources.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer in Harwell
✨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 UKRI.
✨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 Procurement Officer in Harwell
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 UKRI:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to UKRI. 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 UKRI.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨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 UKRI!
✨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 UKRI. 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 UKRI's culture.
