At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and develop strategies for key categories, especially Information Systems.
- Company: Join the University of Portsmouth, a top-rated institution with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the University's future while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 44746 £ per year.
The University of Portsmouth is a globally recognised institution and employer of choice, proud to be one of only four universities in the south-east of England to hold a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. We also rank among the top 140 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings. Driven by the values of Ambition, Responsibility and Openness, we are committed to creating, sharing and applying knowledge that makes a real difference. At Portsmouth, you will become part of a professional community that genuinely values people, innovation and achievement.
We recognise the importance of work-life balance. This role is available on a hybrid working basis, with a requirement to be in Portsmouth for 2 days per week. While advertised as full-time, we are also open to considering applications from candidates seeking reduced hours of 30 hours per week.
What We Offer
- Salary of £41,064 - £44,746 per annum, plus a market supplement of £2,483.04
- Incremental salary progression within the pay scale
- Generous pension scheme
- 32 to 35 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure
- Family-friendly policies and flexible working arrangements
- Excellent training and professional development opportunities
- Staff wellbeing programmes and recreation facilities including discounted gym membership
- Staff discounts, loyalty schemes and discounted public transport
- Staff car parking on campus
- Discounted learning opportunities
- Start-up business mentoring through the Entrepreneurs in Residence programme
The Role
As Procurement Manager, you will play a central role in shaping the University's procurement function and contributing directly to our 2025 Strategy and 2030 Vision. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will lead procurement activity across a range of key categories, with a primary focus on Information Systems (IS).
- Lead end-to-end procurement activity across key category areas, with a primary focus on IS
- Partner with senior stakeholders to develop long-term procurement strategies and multi-year procurement pipelines
- Provide expert procurement advice ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation, University regulations and best practice
- Establish and lead cross-functional stakeholder groups to deliver collaborative and effective procurement solutions
- Drive measurable cost savings, operational efficiencies and robust contractual protections for the University
- Contribute to the delivery of the University's 2025 Strategy and 2030 Vision
What We Are Looking For
- A proven track record in a strategic procurement or category management role
- Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, compliance frameworks and best practice
- Experience managing complex, high-value procurement projects from end to end
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently at a senior level
- A proactive, commercially aware and collaborative approach to procurement
- CIPS qualification or equivalent experience is desirable but not essential
Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Portsmouth is committed to creating an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity, respect and equal opportunity for all. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are dedicated to reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve. We are proud to uphold our core values of being Ambitious, Responsible and Open in everything we do.
Right to Work
Before submitting your application, please ensure that you can demonstrate or obtain the right to work in the United Kingdom. Please note that any offer of employment is conditional upon this requirement being met. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 30 June 2026. Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised date, so early applications are strongly encouraged.
Procurement Manager employer: University of Portsmouth Facilities Department
The University of Portsmouth is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation, professional development, and employee wellbeing. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. As a Procurement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the University's procurement strategies while enjoying the benefits of a supportive community and excellent career growth opportunities in a globally recognised institution.
Contact Details:
University of Portsmouth Facilities Department Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨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 Portsmouth Facilities Department.
✨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
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 Portsmouth Facilities Department:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to University of Portsmouth Facilities Department. 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 Portsmouth Facilities Department.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Portsmouth Facilities Department
✨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 Portsmouth Facilities Department!
✨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 Portsmouth Facilities Department. 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 Portsmouth Facilities Department's culture.
