At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement processes and support purchasing activities at a top UK university.
- Company: Join the University of the Arts London, ranked 2nd globally for Art and Design.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, pension contributions, and discounted medical insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team in a creative environment that values diversity and personal development.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and knowledge of relevant practices are essential.
- Other info: Work in historic Central Saint Martin’s, just a short walk from Kings Cross Station.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
An opportunity to embark on an exciting career path with one of the UK’s most prestigious and globally renowned Universities, supporting procurement governance and delivery of a wide range of purchasing activity. University of the Arts London (UAL) is ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings. It welcomes a diverse body of over 18,000 students from more than 130 countries. Established in 2004, UAL brings together 6 esteemed Arts, Design, Fashion and Media Colleges, which were founded in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Operating out of expansive offices within the historic Central Saint Martin’s college (less than 10 minutes-walk from Kings Cross Station), this is a vibrant and modern team environment, with an expectation that colleagues come into the office 50% of their time. (Core days tend to be Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
Reporting to the Procurement Lead, the Procurement Operations Officer will manage operational procurement processes, systems and practices, engaging with stakeholders to support the Procurement Team with below threshold purchasing with a specific focus on the University’s Colleges. You will provide reporting, data analysis, business intelligence and insights to inform procurement strategies to meet the University’s regulatory requirements, promoting a culture of best practice principles to support the University accreditations and ethical commitments.
About you
- Experience of working in a procurement role in a complex environment.
- Professional qualification such as CIPS / NVQ level 4 or above (achieved or working towards - desirable).
- Knowledge of procurement practices including sourcing, contract management, supplier relationship management, Frameworks and UK Procurement Regulations.
- Experience of managing high volume/low value spend.
- Knowledge of eProcurement and ERP/Finance systems and reporting tools.
- Excellent MS Office Software knowledge (Excelerator and PowerBI desirable).
- Experience managing large financial and statistical data sets and creating presentations and sharing knowledge relating to procurement matters.
- Experience of building successful internal working relationships with stakeholders.
Benefits include:
- UAL’s commitment to your continuous personal development and training (including supporting CIPS progression) in an environment that encourages excellence, creativity and diversity.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (employer contribution is currently 14.9%).
- 31 days a/l (plus bank holidays) and 2 additional days off to participate in volunteer work for a registered charity.
- Discounted Medical Insurance with BUPA that includes Consultations, Diagnostics, in-patient and day-case treatment, Mental Health support, Therapies and Digital GP service.
Please note that this campaign is being managed by an external recruitment consultancy - Morgan Law - who are dedicated to promoting an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. All applications must be submitted via Morgan Law and any CVs sent directly to the University of the Arts will not be considered.
Procurement Operations Officer employer: UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
Contact Detail:
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Operations Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific procurement practices and regulations relevant to the higher education sector. Understanding how these apply to UAL will help you engage effectively with stakeholders and demonstrate your knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in procurement, especially those who have experience in educational institutions. Attend industry events or webinars to gain insights and make connections that could be beneficial when applying for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your data analysis skills, particularly with tools like Excel and PowerBI. Being able to showcase your ability to manage and present large datasets will set you apart as a candidate who can provide valuable insights to the Procurement Team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in building relationships with stakeholders. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve procurement goals, as this is crucial for the role at UAL.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Operations Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements of the Procurement Operations Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your previous procurement experience, especially in complex environments. Mention any professional qualifications like CIPS or NVQ level 4, and detail your knowledge of procurement practices and systems.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include your proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel and PowerBI. Provide examples of how you've managed large data sets and created insightful presentations related to procurement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only expresses your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrates your understanding of UAL's values and commitment to diversity and excellence. Make it personal and engaging to stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
✨Understand Procurement Practices
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement practices, especially sourcing, contract management, and supplier relationship management. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re well-prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role involves managing large financial and statistical data sets, be ready to demonstrate your proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel and PowerBI. Prepare examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles to analyse data and inform decisions.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Engagement
The ability to build successful internal working relationships is crucial. Think of specific instances where you've effectively engaged with stakeholders and how that contributed to successful procurement outcomes. This will illustrate your interpersonal skills.
✨Prepare Questions About UAL
Research the University of the Arts London and its procurement strategies. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in their operations and how you can contribute to their goals. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.