Procurement and Accounts Payable Coordinator

Here at UPP we have a new opportunity for a Procurement and Accounts Payable (AP) Coordinator to play a key role across both teams. You will take ownership of coordinating and project managing the introduction of a new Procure-to-Pay (P2P) methodology, guiding the team to deliver efficient practices in procurement transactions and co‑ordinating the project with external software firms, suppliers and consulting partners. Additionally, you will own specific category plans and projects, ensuring activities are delivered efficiently, consistently, and in line with business priorities. Delivering an excellent customer service to key stakeholders while ensuring value for money, cost savings and risk management is achieved for the company.

Reporting directly to the Head of Procurement, you will lead the new Business Process Documentation and work with the wider procurement and AP teams to design, configure and deploy the P2P solutions to take the transaction management to the next level of efficient practice. As a core member of the Procurement and AP team, you will also provide clear and structured management of all vendor credentials and mitigating risks with the supply chain. Maintaining and driving a consistent and professional approach to all vendor management activity following category management principles and develop strong supplier relationships to support internal stakeholders through the full end‑to‑end sourcing process. You will also be responsible for providing reports, information and updates to senior leaders. Developing strong relationships across the business and support functional budget holders in using procurement tools and templates and effectively managing tender activity.

In this role you will not only enhance efficiency and reduce costs but also support the wider operational and corporate teams through the procurement innovation and transformation journeys to really make a difference to the way in which UPP works.

Key role responsibilities include:

• Lead the programme implementation for P2P efficiencies, streamlining the procurement and AP processes
• Develop a strong relationship with software and consultant parties to implement new technology to facilitate the change
• Act as the primary owner of a centralised purchase order and invoice transaction methodology
• Support all colleagues through the new programme changes, including training provision
• Be the first point of contact for all vendors to instigate the publication of electronic catalogues and punch‑out ordering systems
• Support Procurement Managers in implementing category strategies to deliver cost savings
• Owning and leading the new supplier onboarding process, conducting twice‑annual audits of the supplier database to remove any obsolescence
• Maintain a live contract repository with visible KPI and SLA metrics which are regularly monitored through the Supplier's Performance Dashboard
• Monitor trends, identifying opportunities and benchmarking against industry standards
• Analyse large and complex data sets to identify risks and drive value
• Conduct due diligence across the supply chain and third‑party spend to mitigate risks and ensure compliance
• Support tender execution processes, including supporting bid evaluations, shortlisting and commercial negotiations
• Develop and support the management of supplier and contractor relationships, monitoring performance and escalating issues for high‑value or high‑risk suppliers
• Provide stakeholders with relevant reports, management information, and advice on procurement projects and performance
• Continuously identify ways to enhance and improve the third party spend management processes and practices to increase efficiency

We are looking for a highly organised, professional and efficient Coordinator with experience of working in a fast‑paced commercial environment, with a passion for projects and delivering to deadlines. You will have an understanding of the end‑to‑end P2P process, including Purchase Order generation, payment processing and supplier onboarding. With exposure and experience in sourcing and working with a broad range of stakeholder relations, including suppliers, colleagues and senior leadership team. A specific knowledge and experience of Workday software would be highly advantageous. Knowledge of the UK supply chain in relevant categories, with the ability to effectively communicate with AP team and operational teams, guiding stakeholders through the procurement journey. This includes supporting tenders and project team meetings and acting as the point of contact for each project. You will have a 'can do' attitude, with excellent communication, strong people skills, and a well‑organised, efficient way of working.

In return, we are offering competitive salary of c.£40k with a great benefits package which includes a discretionary performance bonus, 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, private healthcare, pension, enhanced family leave policy, life assurance, training, two paid volunteering or personal development days and cycle to work scheme.

UPP welcome all applications and recognise the value of having a diverse and inclusive culture, which reflects the communities we work with and has a positive impact on our people, our student residents, and our university partners. We understand all disabilities, impairments and conditions are unique, so please advise us of any adjustments which would support you through our recruitment process and also help you to thrive at work. Our core values of Innovation, Sustainability, Community, Partnership and Respect, are fundamental to our culture and summarise what is important to our business and our people.