Purchasing Manager

Finance Division

We seek a Purchasing Manager to join us as maternity leave cover for upto 12 months, you will be joining our purchasing department with responsibility for our science and research services category, crucial in supporting our key research divisions.

Location: Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, with the option of some hybrid/remote working

Salary: £49,119 - £58,265 per annum with a discretionary salary range to £63,489

Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term (Maternity Leave cover for up to 12 months)

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires," the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

Integral to the University, the Finance Division aims to enable world-class research and education by collaborating on sound financial strategy to provide long-term resources, underpinned by excellent operational and professional services. For more information, please visit: https://finance.admin.ox.ac.uk/

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.

• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.

• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.

• An excellent contributory pension scheme.

• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.

• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

The postholder will use category management and strategic relationship management techniques to ensure that the University leverages its full potential spend and achieves best value for money.

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies that deliver value for money and meet customer needs.

• Build product and market knowledge within your categories and keep strategies up to date with best practice.

• Select and negotiate with suppliers to secure robust, cost-effective agreements.

• Promote and support adoption of University-wide and cross-University agreements.

• Act as the main point of contact and subject expert for your categories.

• Report on value for money and other benefits achieved.

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all activities.

• Undertake other tasks or projects appropriate to the role and support colleagues as required.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.

About You

• Educated to degree level or equivalent

• Category experience aligned to procurement of science and/or research services

• Proven record of developing strategic plans for a category of spend and evidence of successfully executing those plans (including supporting sourcing/tendering activity)

• Able to demonstrate driving value for money/savings in a category

• Able to demonstrate continuous improvement initiatives with category specific suppliers and internal customers

• Proven record of ability to negotiate complex arrangements with suppliers

• Proven record of ability to construct and negotiate on contractual terms

• Good analytical skills

• Ability to influence at all levels within the organisation

• Commitment to promoting awareness and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion, and embedding these principles in your own interactions and more broadly among other team members.

Desirable selection criteria

• Actively studying for or full member of CIPS

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement

• Your CV

• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 18th September

Interviews will take place on mid to late September, applications will be reviewed throughout the advertising window and we may close the position early if a suitable candidate is found