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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement processes and manage RFPs for complex IT projects.
- Company: Join USS, a leading pension scheme with a vibrant and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial futures while growing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to individual growth and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts. Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model.
About the role
In your role as Procurement Manager, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to manage an RFP for a complex IT project to ensure USS runs a fair and open process that leads to a successful contract award. The best outcome for USS will be for the selected provider to be able to demonstrate value for money, service improvements both now and in the future and a strong contractual position to be successfully negotiated with contracted service levels and KPIs.
What you will be doing
- Manage end to end RFP processes from a Procurement perspective
- Ensure that the RFP process is run in an equitable and consistent manner for all participants by advising USS stakeholders on best practice at all stages
- Lead on all communication with prospective suppliers at all stages of the RFP process
- Create RFP documents, templates and schedules
- Work with the SME’s from key business areas to gather specification requirements, documenting them appropriately and creating a template to capture supplier responses
- Work alongside the relevant teams and with suppliers (where necessary) to create the commercial model options for the RFP
- Work with other partners and/or 3rd party consultants on the RFP to ensure a seamless and aligned approach
- Develop, communicate and implement a suitable scoring mechanism by which to evaluate the RFP submissions
- Work with the Finance Business Partner to input into the business case as required
- Provide input for relevant committee papers
- Input into the contract negotiations with the USS Legal team as required
About you
We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.
To be successful in the role you will have:
- Experience as an IT buyer, ideally with experience in running complex IT data and/or data projects
- Demonstrable experience in a senior procurement role
- Experience leading by example and is resilient and able to deal with complex challenges
- Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to constructively challenge stakeholders and who seeks to understand and clarify commercial implications of supplier relationships
- Strong procurement understanding with the ability to work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
- Excellent commercial acumen and ability to consistently secure the most advantageous outcomes for USS
- High level of pragmatism and creativity when problem solving
- A strong communicator, both orally and in writing
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to support procurement decisions
- MCIPS or similar qualification preferred
At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits!
Our culture and values
Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ‘front and centre’ of what we do. This is embedded through our values: Integrity.
About us
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and other higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for almost 577,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest private defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £76.8bn (at 31 March 2025).
USSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent. We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know by contacting resourcing@uss.co.uk.
Procurement Manager in Liverpool employer: Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd)
Contact Detail:
Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching USS and its procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent projects, so you can show how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the Procurement Manager role involves a lot of negotiation, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more confident when discussing terms and conditions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the USS team.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in procurement and IT projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Procurement Manager, strong communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders and suppliers effectively. A well-structured cover letter can really help us see your communication style.
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities: We love candidates who can think on their feet! Share examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in previous roles. This will show us your analytical skills and creativity in problem-solving.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our 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 Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd)
✨Know Your RFP Process
Make sure you understand the end-to-end RFP process thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with best practices and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed similar processes in the past. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of your negotiation experiences, especially in complex IT projects. Be ready to explain how you constructively challenged stakeholders and secured advantageous outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate tricky situations effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a Procurement Manager, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. You might even want to prepare a brief presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your skills.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to support procurement decisions in the past. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful outcomes, as this will highlight your commercial acumen and problem-solving abilities.
