At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement projects for cutting-edge scientific research and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join UK Research & Innovation, a leader in fostering a thriving research and innovation system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on world-class research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualified or relevant experience; customer-focused with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 37841 - 40341 £ per year.
Salary: £37,841 per annum, plus £2,500 Specialist Allowance if MCIPS qualified
Band: UKRI Band D
Contract Type: Open ended
Hours: Full-time (Flexible working available)
Location: Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire
Hybrid working available (Min 2 days per week in the office)
Closing Date: 18th June 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 6th July 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).
- Essential 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).
Benefits:
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.
For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact.
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.
Procurement Officer in Oxford employer: UKRI
UK Research & Innovation is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. With flexible working options, a commitment to employee development, and a comprehensive benefits package including a defined benefit pension scheme and generous annual leave, UKRI fosters a culture of continuous learning and well-being, making it an ideal place for procurement professionals to thrive and contribute to impactful research initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UKRI on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UKRI's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're genuinely interested in how procurement supports their mission. Tailor your answers to reflect this knowledge!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to procurement. Think about scenarios where you've successfully managed contracts or sourced suppliers. We want to hear your stories, so make them engaging!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at UKRI.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Procurement Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at UKRI, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to demonstrate your understanding of procurement processes and regulations. Remember, we appreciate clarity as much as we value detail!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since this role involves working closely with others, make sure to highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated in past roles, as we’re all about solving problems together at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK Public Sector Procurement Regulations and the procurement cycle. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed procurement projects or dealt with complex contracts. This will help demonstrate your relevant experience and how it aligns with what UKRI is looking for.
✨Be Organised and Detail-Oriented
Since the role involves maintaining contract folders and ensuring compliance, be ready to discuss how you keep your records organised and how you ensure accuracy in your work. Mention any tools or systems you’ve used to stay on top of things.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your customer-focused approach by preparing to talk about how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders in the past. Show that you can handle queries and provide support, which is crucial for a Procurement Officer at UKRI.
