At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value procurement strategies and drive continuous improvement across the University.
- Company: Join the University of Warwick, a dynamic higher-education institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy stability, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Shape category strategies in a world-class research environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic projects and collaborate with influential stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and forward‐thinking Senior Procurement Manager to play a pivotal role in delivering best‐value procurement solutions across the University of Warwick. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing procurement team and influence major strategic projects, category strategies and supply‐chain optimisation at scale.
In this senior role, you will lead a portfolio exceeding £10m spend per annum, design and implement procurement strategies, and contribute directly to the University's wider procurement and commercial goals. You will collaborate with senior stakeholders, shape category directions, and drive continuous improvement in one of the UK's most dynamic higher‐education institutions.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading high-value category and project procurement strategies, ensuring alignment with budgets, KPIs, and University goals.
- Delivering compliant, robust and auditable end‐to‐end procurement processes, including competitive tendering and framework agreements.
- Providing expert commercial leadership for complex strategic contract negotiations, mitigating financial, commercial and legal risks.
- Leading cross‐functional project teams to deliver process improvements, category innovations and procurement best practice across the institution.
- Building strong, collaborative relationships with senior academic and professional services stakeholders.
- Supporting and developing junior team members while contributing to the overall maturity and capability of the Procurement Office.
- Producing business cases, options appraisals, KPI analysis and high-impact reporting for senior decision-makers.
What we’re looking for:
- You’ll bring extensive experience in complex procurement environments and a strong record of delivering value through strategy, category management and negotiation.
- A degree or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience delivering procurement strategies and managing spend over £10m per year, achieving measurable savings and best value.
- Broad expertise spanning category management, tendering, specification development, whole‐life costing, contract formation and contract management.
- High‐level negotiation skills with strong commercial and legal awareness.
- Ability to lead cross‐functional teams and senior‐level stakeholder groups to successful outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills and the confidence to influence at all levels.
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to thrive under pressure and to strict deadlines.
- Knowledge of Public Contracts Regulations 2015 / the Procurement Act 2023.
This is an opportunity to operate at a genuinely strategic level within a world‐class research institution. You will:
- Shape major category strategies with real institutional impact.
- Lead high-profile, complex procurements and negotiations.
- Work collaboratively with influential stakeholders across the University.
- Contribute to continuous improvement in a mature, forward‐thinking procurement function.
- Enjoy the benefits and stability of a major higher‐education employer.
Senior Procurement Manager in Coventry employer: Uniperms
The University of Warwick is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Senior Procurement Manager, you will not only lead high-value procurement strategies but also enjoy opportunities for professional growth within a prestigious institution known for its commitment to excellence. With a focus on employee development and a supportive culture, you will be part of a team that drives meaningful change in higher education while benefiting from the stability and resources of a major university.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those at the University of Warwick. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in procurement and the specific challenges faced by the University. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you understand the bigger picture and can contribute to their strategic goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves high-level negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you articulate your strategies and demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Manager in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience with managing large budgets and delivering procurement strategies that align with organisational goals. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve delivered measurable savings or improved procurement processes in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made in your past positions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your experience aligns with our needs. We love seeing candidates who can communicate their vision and enthusiasm clearly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Uniperms
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Procurement Manager, you'll be handling significant budgets. Make sure you come prepared with specific examples of how you've managed spend over £10m in the past. Highlight measurable savings and the strategies you implemented to achieve them.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
This role requires high-level negotiation skills. Brush up on your negotiation techniques and be ready to discuss complex contract negotiations you've led. Be prepared to share how you mitigated risks and achieved favourable outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
You'll need to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced decision-makers or collaborated with cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss how you navigated challenges in these relationships.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The University is looking for someone who can shape major category strategies. Prepare to discuss your approach to developing procurement strategies and how you've contributed to continuous improvement in previous roles. Bring examples that showcase your strategic mindset.
