At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive value for the university.
- Company: A forward-thinking university committed to excellence and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on university operations while developing your procurement expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
The role sits within the CFO function which is responsible for driving the university's commercial, finance, governance, transformation and project management activities. The Commercial and Procurement function is responsible for commercial and procurement activities across the University, ensuring best practice is adopted, resulting in high standards of performance, cost effectiveness, and resource efficiency. The team has leadership responsibility for procurement, contract management and the institution's commercial and procurement strategies.
About the role: The post holder will support and deliver the University’s corporate objectives, commercial and procurement strategies as outlined in the job purpose. This entails managing a procurement pipeline and planning workload, leading on tenders, supporting supplier and contract management, ensuring efficient and effective delivery, managing risk and achieving value for money. Working with the Head of Commercial & Procurement, you will develop and lead category related strategy plans, including assessment and analysis of markets, issues and commercial drivers. You will have responsibility for the IT category but will also be involved with procurement of other categories as required by the university.
In addition, you will provide expert advice to stakeholders at all levels, ensuring compliance with relevant external statutory requirements and directives (including PA23, Freedom of Information, Equalities, Social Value, Sustainability, Modern Slavery, Data Protection regulations etc.) and with the University's internal governance and approval procedures. You will also be a source of advice and guidance on procurement policy and good practice to faculties and services, promoting awareness and understanding of the role and strategic objectives of the Commercial & Procurement Service. You will support, coach and develop procurement skills within the Commercial & Procurement Service.
Key dates: Interview date: Wednesday 30th September or Thursday 1st October 2026.
The University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff community and welcomes applications from currently under-represented sections of our workforce. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that the University is inclusive and accessible. As part of this commitment, we guarantee an interview to applicants who meet the definition of disability set out in the Equality Act 2010 and who meet the essential criteria within the person specification. The University has also signed the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged. For applicants, this means we aim to ensure fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process, recognise and value the transferable skills and experience gained through military service. As part of this commitment, we guarantee an interview to veterans and military spouses/partners who meet the essential criteria within the job specification.
Procurement Category Manager in Cheltenham employer: University of Gloucestershire
The Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for those passionate about rural research and policy. With a strong focus on employee development, CCRI provides opportunities for growth through active engagement in publishing and collaborative projects, all while being part of a diverse team committed to making a meaningful impact in the countryside and environment. Located in the UK, CCRI's reputation as an internationally significant research institute ensures that your contributions will be valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
University of Gloucestershire Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager in Cheltenham
✨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 University of Gloucestershire.
✨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 Category Manager in Cheltenham
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 University of Gloucestershire:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to University of Gloucestershire. 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 University of Gloucestershire.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Gloucestershire
✨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 University of Gloucestershire!
✨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 University of Gloucestershire. 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 University of Gloucestershire's culture.
