Senior Procurement Manager

At Canterbury Christ Church University, we exist to transform lives through education, especially for those who don’t traditionally access higher education.

Our Procurement Team plays a key role in this mission and are driving meaningful change. We create value for the University by challenging waste and inefficiency and extracting maximum value from the supply chain. We classify value as not just financial savings, but enhancement of the student experience and supporting the wellbeing of our staff community. We want to unlock the full potential of procurement.

We’re looking for a Senior Procurement Manager who shares our vision and values—someone who sees procurement not just as a process, but as a powerful enabler of positive change.

About the Role

This is both a strategic and hands-on role where you’ll lead on awarding and managing contracts, building strong stakeholder and supplier relationships and delivering measurable value across the university. You’ll act as a business partner, working closely with your internal clients, helping them achieve their goals through smart, agile procurement.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values relationships, innovation and continuous improvement. We don’t just count savings—we measure success in the value we create for students, staff, and the wider university community

What You’ll Be Doing

• Building and nurturing excellent relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Leading complex procurements and contract management across key categories
• Driving value, reducing waste, and supporting sustainability goals
• Using your experiences to shape procurement strategy and champion best practice

What We’re Looking For

We’re not just looking for experience—we’re looking for the right mindset. You’ll understand that value is more than just cost savings. You’ll be a big-picture thinker, knowing that procurement is one part of a wider set of priorities and that the best outcomes come from aligning with broader institutional goals. You see compliance not as a destination, but as a by-product of thoughtful, values-driven procurement.

You’ll have:

•  Years’ experience in procurement (which doesn’t have to be public sector)
• A strategic, innovative approach to problem-solving
• Excellent soft skills, including emotional intelligence and relationship-building
• A deep understanding of how procurement supports organisational success
• A collaborative spirit and a desire to make a difference

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a University that’s changing lives and communities
• Work in a supportive, values-driven environment
• Enjoy a hybrid working model (with flexibility for the right candidate)
• Access to professional development and career progression opportunities
• An award-winning campus in the heart of Canterbury’s world heritage site

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re excited by the idea of using your procurement expertise to support a university with a powerful social mission, we’d love to hear from you.

How will you work?

We are committed to supporting flexible methods of working wherever possible and this role is split between home and office working with 2 days a week in the office (flexible for the right candidate).

How to apply
Closing date for applications: 12th of September 2025
Interviews are to be held: To be confirmed shorly after closing

If you require further information regarding the post please feel free to contact Robin Higgins at robin.higgins@canterbury.ac.uk (strictly no agencies, thank you).

Please note, Canterbury Christ Church University reserve the right to bring the closing date of this position forward where a high volume of applications is received.