Head of Procurement in Paisley

The University of West of Scotland has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Procurement Professional to join our Finance department as the Head of Procurement. Within this role, the successful candidate will lead procurement activities and culture across the University. They will develop and implement professional procurement strategies, policies and procedures that meet strategic business needs, maintain legal compliance, and contribute to the University's commitment for continuous improvement.

The postholder will define, develop and lead the procurement service so that it proactively provides professional advice to the University management team, to support effective decision making based on best practice, to deliver value for money and savings on non-pay spend and contribute directly to achieving University objectives. The Head of Procurement will manage a centrally based team responsible for the delivery of procurement, ensuring targets and standards are successfully achieved. As well as this they will provide leadership and support to staff based in Schools and Departments whose roles form part of the end-to-end procurement function.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)
• Extensive post CIPS senior purchasing experience in a large and complex organisation
• Leading change in respect of procurement activity and process
• Experience in managing and leading a team
• A working knowledge of Purchasing strategy, policy and procedure development and implementation
• Provision of information to Governing or Executive Board decision making processes
• Previous experience in the management of tender processes and contract management
• Involved in the development and implementation of integrated purchasing systems
• Managed commodity based purchasing
• Strong negotiating skills
• Contract law knowledge and knowledge of EU procurement legislation and regulations

The University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland's largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 24 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme)
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Interview Date: week commencing Monday 30th March. Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided). The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups. UWS is a "Disability Confident" employer.