At a Glance
- Tasks: Support IT procurement and budget management while enhancing digital services.
- Company: Join a leading university focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace that values collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in technology procurement during an exciting growth phase.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or admin roles, ideally in tech or education sectors.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Part time (17.5 hrs/wk), fixed term for up to 12 months.
Based Horizons (Reading, Berkshire) with some flexibility to work from home each week.
A brilliant opportunity has arisen for someone to join our busy Technology team as we look to enhance our digital services. This brand-new role offers the chance to make a real impact, ensuring value for money, supporting investment decisions and enabling the successful delivery of technology services across the University.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building strong relationships, improving processes and working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders. You'll play a vital role in supporting strategic technology initiatives during an exciting period of growth and change at the University.
- Support budget management by monitoring expenditure, assisting with forecasting, and ensuring procurement activity aligns with approved budgets.
- Support purchasing of technology goods and services, including software, hardware, and third-party services.
- Work collaboratively with the Finance team to ensure compliance with the procurement policy and financial controls.
Training or certification related to: Public sector or regulated procurement, Governance, assurance, or compliance, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
A relevant qualification in: Procurement/Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or Commerce, or equivalent professional experience in a procurement or commercial role.
Experience in a purchasing or administrative support role, ideally within technology, education, or public/regulated sectors.
At University of the Built Environment we expect employees to demonstrate our values: We are a long-standing and leading provider of supported online education with a long-term ambition to be the world's most sustainable university. At The London School of Architecture, our students study onsite. Staff wellbeing and work-life balance are a priority for us, with flexible working arrangements and a generous holiday allowance amongst some of our key employee benefits.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION: We champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. We celebrate diversity and the strengths it brings to our staff body, our student community and our Board of Trustees, recognising that people are key to our success.
Buyer (IT / Tech Procurement) in Slough employer: University of the Built Environment
At the University of the Built Environment, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to professional growth, our team members are empowered to make meaningful contributions while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic educational environment. Join us in shaping the future of technology services and be part of a community that values passion, integrity, excellence, and support.
Contact Details:
University of the Built Environment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (IT / Tech Procurement) in Slough
✨Dive into the Procurement Community
Join online forums and local groups focused on procurement. Websites like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) have great communities and resources. Connecting with professionals through these channels can lead to part-time opportunities with companies like University of the Built Environment.
✨Networking with a Twist
Don’t just stick to the usual networking events; look for niche procurement workshops or seminars in your area. These are goldmines for part-time roles as they often attract companies looking for talent like us to fill in gaps on short or flexible contracts.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Build a mini portfolio of your procurement projects or experiences. Even if it's part-time, demonstrating your understanding of cost analysis, supplier negotiations, or inventory management can really set you apart when going for a role at University of the Built Environment.
✨Check Out Part-Time Job Boards
Keep an eye on job boards that focus specifically on part-time positions in procurement. Websites like Indeed or local classifieds often have hidden gems, so make it a habit to check them out daily for roles that intrigue you, including at University of the Built Environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (IT / Tech Procurement) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills:In procurement, your negotiation skills are key! Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV that shows you’ve successfully worked with suppliers or managed vendor relationships. This might be through previous roles or even projects during your studies—don't hold back!
Understand the Importance of Detail:Being part-time in procurement means you'll need to hit the ground running. Emphasise your detail-oriented approach in your application. Mention any experience with data analysis or reporting as procurement often involves managing contracts and evaluating suppliers based on various KPIs.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Procurement:Your cover letter should illustrate your interest in the procurement field and your ability to learn. Discuss why you're excited about the part-time role at University of the Built Environment and how it fits with your career goals. This is your chance to connect your past experiences with what you hope to achieve in procurement!
Highlight Your Availability:Since this is a part-time position, be clear about your availability in your application. Make it easy for University of the Built Environment to see when you can work and how you can support their purchasing needs. This will show that you’re not only enthusiastic but also organised and ready to jump in!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of the Built Environment
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on key procurement concepts and techniques. Understand things like supplier negotiation, cost-benefit analyses, and the importance of maintaining good relationships with vendors. This foundational knowledge will demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness for the role at University of the Built Environment.
✨Be Ready for Analytical Questions
Procurement roles often involve analysing data to make informed purchasing decisions. Prepare to face some technical questions or case studies that assess your analytical skills. Think through a few scenarios where you've had to use data effectively—this will show off your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Commitment
As it's a part-time role, be prepared to discuss your availability and how you can manage your time efficiently. Highlight any experiences that demonstrate your ability to balance multiple responsibilities or adjust to shifting priorities, which is super valuable in fast-paced environments like University of the Built Environment.
✨Pitch Relevant Experiences
Tailor your previous experiences to the procurement field. Have examples ready that showcase your skills in negotiation, vendor management, or even budgeting if applicable. This isn’t just about what you've done but how those experiences make you a great fit for the part-time role at University of the Built Environment.
