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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage contracts to support university goals.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton, a vibrant institution with ambitious plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy 44 days leave, hybrid working, and excellent pension schemes.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex procurement and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working practices promote a healthy work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This is an exceptional time to be joining the University of Southampton and the Procurement Services Team. The University has an ambitious Strategy Inspiring the remarkable, and as the Deputy Head of Procurement you will play a pivotal role in supporting the procurement team in enabling the University to achieve its goals. Whether it’s working with colleagues to deliver our ambitious Estates Strategic Plan or Digital Transformation Agenda or supporting Research related projects, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced procurement professional, to join our team.
This role has an additional market supplement to be applied dependent on qualifications / experience of the successful candidate.
About The Role
You will:
- Provide strategic oversight in the development of the procurement and contract management operating framework across the organisation.
- Enable the implementation of the Procurement strategic plan. Working with Category and Contract managers, assessing team workload, prioritising and allocating projects; and reviewing progress against agreed deadlines.
- Lead a team of specialists, providing reliable data and MI driving business decisions and ensuring systems operate reliably and efficiently.
- Be the strategic lead on commercial contract management practice, ensuring there is an appropriate framework in place, monitoring and evaluating supplier performance, driving innovation and added value through supplier management.
- Deputise for the Head of Procurement.
What You’ll Bring
- Experience of delivering procurements for complex and routine requirements in a regulated / complex environment, ideally with public sector procurement experience.
- Demonstrable leadership experience and capability, with the ability to work dynamically with the changing nature of university business.
- A high level of commercial acumen.
- The ability to build strong, productive relationships across our academic and research staff, professional services and key external suppliers / partners.
What We Can Offer
Excellent benefits offered include:
- 44 days leave per year (including 6 University Closure days and 8 days public holidays).
- A 35 hour working week.
- Excellent pension scheme (University Superannuation Scheme).
- Hybrid working (based 1-2 days at our lively Highfield campus).
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Staff discounts.
- Discounted access to our sports complex.
- Supported departmental development opportunities.
- Assistance with relocation if applicable.
We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse culture at the University and creating an environment where people can balance successful careers with their commitments and interests outside of work. Our flexible working practices, including a hybrid working model, where employees can split their working time between the office and home, support our belief that this balance brings long-lasting benefits for our institution as well as our people.
We believe equality and diversity are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a vibrant, proud and successful organisation. A diverse workforce, with people from different racial, educational and social backgrounds and a range of ages, opens up a wealth of possibilities for Southampton.
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Deputy Head of Procurement employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the University of Southampton's strategic goals and initiatives, especially the Estates Strategic Plan and Digital Transformation Agenda. Understanding these priorities will help you demonstrate how your experience aligns with their objectives during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in the Procurement Services Team. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial when you discuss your leadership style and approach to procurement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your experience in managing complex procurements, particularly in a public sector context. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenges and delivered results that align with the university's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your ability to build strong relationships with various stakeholders, including academic staff and external suppliers. Think of examples where you've fostered collaboration and innovation, as this is crucial for the role of Deputy Head of Procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Deputy Head of Procurement. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in procurement, especially in complex environments. Mention any public sector experience and leadership roles that align with the requirements outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to build relationships. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed contracts or led teams in previous roles, as this will resonate with the hiring team.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter to reflect the values and goals of the University of Southampton. Mention how your personal values align with their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their ambitious strategy.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Understand the University's Strategic Goals
Familiarize yourself with the University of Southampton's Strategy Inspiring the remarkable. Be prepared to discuss how your experience in procurement can support their ambitious Estates Strategic Plan and Digital Transformation Agenda.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Highlight your leadership experience and capability during the interview. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in dynamic environments, especially in relation to procurement and contract management.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your understanding of commercial contract management practices. Be ready to share specific instances where you drove innovation and added value through effective supplier management.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasize your ability to build strong, productive relationships with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've collaborated with academic and research staff, as well as external suppliers, to achieve common goals.
