At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement activities and collaborate with stakeholders to shape the future of the university.
- Company: Join the University of Portsmouth, a top-rated institution committed to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; hybrid model with 2 days on campus.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major projects and contribute to the university's success.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong collaboration skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Welcome to the University of Portsmouth's Job Board. This platform is your gateway to exciting career opportunities within our institution. We value equality, diversity, inclusion and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. As a global employer of choice, our exceptional people will work in collaboration to achieve excellence.
The Role: Join Our Procurement Team and Help Shape the Future of the University of Portsmouth. Are you a strategic procurement professional looking for an opportunity to make a real impact? We are seeking an ambitious and proactive individual to play a key role within the University of Portsmouth's procurement function, helping to deliver our exciting 2025 Strategy and 2030 Vision.
As a core member of the team, you will lead procurement activity across a range of key category areas, particularly IS & Corporate Services, but with flexibility to be involved in other categories of spend. You will partner with senior stakeholders to identify organisational needs, develop long term procurement strategies, and deliver effective multi-year procurement pipelines. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence major projects, drive value, and contribute directly to the University's continued success.
You will provide expert procurement advice and guidance to both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring all activity is compliant with Procurement Act 2023 and relevant legislation, University regulations, and best practice. Working collaboratively across the institution, you will establish and lead cross-functional stakeholder groups, delivering procurement solutions that generate significant cost savings, operational efficiencies, and robust contractual protections for the University.
Flexible Working: We recognise the importance of flexibility. While the role requires a presence in Portsmouth for part of the week (2 days on campus), hybrid working arrangements are available. Although advertised as a full-time position, we are also open to considering applications from candidates seeking reduced hours (30 hours per week).
Why Join Us? At the University of Portsmouth Academic Services Ltd (UASL), you'll enjoy a rewarding career alongside an outstanding range of benefits designed to support your professional growth, wellbeing, and work-life balance:
- Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
- Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
- Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
- Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
- Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
The interviews will be held in person, at Mercantile House, Portsmouth, on Thursday 8th October 2026.
Employer, External Only: University of Portsmouth Academic Services Ltd (UASL)
UKVI Statement: Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.
ED&I Statement: We are committed to upholding the University’s values of being ambitious, open and responsible, in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect. Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.
Procurement Manager in Portsmouth employer: University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where ambition, responsibility, and openness are at the forefront of our mission. With competitive salaries, generous leave entitlements, and excellent training opportunities, we empower our employees to grow and thrive in their careers. Located in a prestigious institution recognised for its excellence in teaching and innovation, joining us means being part of a transformative journey towards a modern educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Portsmouth
✨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.
✨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 Portsmouth
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:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to University of Portsmouth. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Portsmouth
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
