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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 supportive team culture.
- 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: MCIPS qualification and experience in higher education or public sector procurement.
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) 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)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a procurement role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your procurement knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled high-volume, low-value purchasing in the past. Show us that you can explain complex processes in plain language—it's all about making it relatable!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, don’t just talk about your experience—ask questions! Show genuine interest in their procurement challenges and how you can help solve them. This will set you apart as someone who’s ready to jump in and make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace PROCUREMENT MANAGER ( HIGHER EDUCATION)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Procurement Manager. Highlight your experience in higher education procurement and managing high volumes of low-value transactions. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can support our academic departments. Keep it conversational and show us your personality!
Showcase Your Service-Oriented Approach: In your application, emphasise your practical, service-led approach to procurement. We love candidates who enjoy working directly with stakeholders and solving varied requests, so let that enthusiasm come through!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. 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-Oriented Mindset
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 challenges.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Think of instances where you've built trust with colleagues or suppliers. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and effectively, as this will be crucial 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.