At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage exciting procurement projects across diverse sectors like Space and Energy.
- Company: Join UKSBS, a leading public sector business service provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on accountability and service excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with world-renowned scientists and innovators.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex procurement and knowledge of government regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
It’s an exciting time to join UKSBS as we transform our business to be the leading UK public sector business service provider. We aim to become a very different organisation over the next few years as we move to a modern multi-platform, digitally enabled organisation.
We now have an opening for an experienced Procurement Manager to join the team. Within this team, you will find yourself buying anything from commodity items through to contracts relating to Space, Energy and Carbon Net Zero, Consultancy, IT services and goods to name a few, but no two days are the same. Every day, we support world renowned scientists and researchers, policy makers and agencies that help to keep the UK at the forefront of global science, innovation and business.
Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide support in the development and management of the end-to-end below and above threshold tendering process.
- Ensure procurements adhere to Government regulations regarding the advertising and publishing of opportunities.
- Ensure that the defined best practice procurement processes and policies are followed to deliver maximum use of e-Procurement Systems and processes.
- Work with stakeholders/project teams to develop service specifications and appropriate contractual terms in preparation for tender processes.
- Ensure that audit trails are created, governance and due diligence are embedded, and value for money analysis undertaken.
- Support the Head of Procurement with any ad-hoc strategic activities.
- Build and lead a culture within the team that encourages accountability, consistent ways of working, and good customer service, ensuring alignment with business objectives and service excellence.
- Support driving the implementation of best practices into Procurement operations and service transformation.
To do this role well you will need:
- A proven background of managing and running medium to high value complex procurement projects (non-category managed spend) from initial customer engagement through to selection and award of contract.
- Previous procurement experience with a good understanding of Government regulations, best practice procurement processes and policies.
- Demonstrable experience in advanced purchasing techniques (e.g. above threshold) and purchasing platforms e.g. Jaggaer eSourcing Platform.
- Knowledge and experience of procurement processes in the Public Sector.
- People management skills, including coaching and mentoring.
- Stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Ideally a member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).
Your application:
Closing date for applications is Mon 5th October, with interviews taking place week commencing 12th October. As part of the application process, you must submit both a CV and a covering letter. Your covering letter should outline your reasons for applying for the role and highlight any transferable skills and/or relevant experience that support your application. Please note that applications submitted without a covering letter will not be progressed.
Successful candidates may be required to undergo Security Clearance (National Security Vetting) as part of their employment. To meet these standards, applicants must normally have lived in the UK for at least the last five years and be able to satisfy background, identity and criminal record checks.
We are UKSBS. We are creating a place where people love to work, a culture where we lead, we change, we deliver and we empower our people to be curious, take action and add value.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Procurement Manager in Swindon employer: UKRI
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in cutting-edge research. With a strong commitment to employee development, the LMB provides opportunities for training and professional growth, while its inclusive culture encourages open communication and teamwork. Located in a world-renowned research facility, employees benefit from access to state-of-the-art resources and the chance to contribute to impactful scientific advancements in health care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Swindon
✨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 Manager in Swindon
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.
