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- Tasks: Support academic departments with their purchasing needs and provide practical procurement advice.
- Company: Collaborative university environment focused on service-led procurement.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, excellent pension, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied challenges and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on teaching and research while enjoying a strong work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in higher education procurement or public sector, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking an experienced procurement professional to join a collaborative university procurement team, supporting academic departments and research teams with their day‑to‑day purchasing needs. This is a front‑facing, service‑led role focused on helping non‑procurement colleagues buy compliantly, efficiently, and with value for money in mind.
You will act as the main procurement contact for departments and research teams, providing practical advice and support across a wide range of purchasing needs. A key feature of this role is managing high volumes of low‑value transactions which collectively represent significant spend and operational importance. You may support everything from specialist teaching resources and research equipment to travel, operational supplies, or sourcing niche suppliers for events and productions—ensuring suppliers are onboarded and purchases completed compliantly. This role delivers procurement as a practical service, not a gatekeeping function.
Key Responsibilities- Advise academics and staff on compliant procurement routes
- Support diverse purchasing requirements across teaching & research
- Source suppliers and secure best value solutions
- Explain frameworks, thresholds, and procedures clearly
- Support transactional procurement and ensure compliance
- Build trusted relationships and provide practical guidance
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds MCIPS
- Has higher education procurement experience or strong public sector experience supporting non‑procurement stakeholders
- Has experience managing high‑volume, low‑value purchasing
- Is confident explaining procurement processes in plain language
- Enjoys working directly with stakeholders and solving varied requests
- Takes a practical, service‑oriented approach
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates focused primarily on high‑value tenders or narrow category management will not be the right fit.
Why Join Us?- Hybrid working (2 days onsite)
- Generous annual leave & excellent pension
- Supportive and collaborative team
- Varied role with real impact on teaching & research
- Strong work–life balance
If you enjoy working with people, solving diverse procurement challenges, and delivering procurement as a service, we would love to hear from you as soon as possible.
PROCUREMENT MANAGER ( HIGHER EDUCATION) in London employer: Virtual Hire Staffing
Contact Detail:
Virtual Hire Staffing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PROCUREMENT MANAGER ( HIGHER EDUCATION) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees in the procurement team or related departments. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare examples of how you've tackled procurement challenges before. We want to see your practical approach and how you’ve built relationships with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the university’s values and mission. Tailor your conversations to show how your experience aligns with their goals. It’ll make you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It shows you’re serious about joining us and helps keep everything organised. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from interested candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace PROCUREMENT MANAGER ( HIGHER EDUCATION) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in higher education or public sector roles, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about procurement and how you can support our academic departments. Be specific about your experience with low-value transactions and your service-oriented approach.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves explaining procurement processes in plain language, make sure your application demonstrates your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. We want to see how you can build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virtual Hire Staffing
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the context of higher education. Be ready to discuss compliant procurement routes and how you can help non-procurement colleagues navigate these processes.
✨Showcase Your Service Orientation
This role is all about providing a service, not gatekeeping. Prepare examples of how you've supported stakeholders in the past, focusing on your practical approach to solving their purchasing needs.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Think of instances where you've built trusted relationships with colleagues or suppliers. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and effectively, as this will be key in managing high volumes of low-value transactions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific procurement scenarios. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills, especially when it comes to sourcing suppliers and ensuring value for money.