Procurement Category Manager: Science and Research

About us:

Procurement Strategy & Services is part of the Professional Services Directorate, supporting the university in achieving best value from its spending. The team works with Schools, Departments and external organisations to:

• Deliver value for money from university and third-party spend
• Ensure projects and contracts are delivered to time, quality and cost while minimising risk
• Provide expert reference on best purchasing practice
• Streamline procurement processes and reduce administration costs
• Provide policy standards and guidance on best practice in procurement
• Foster collaborative procurement across the HE sector
• Develop the university’s commercial and procurement capability
• Enhance procurement project management through people, processes and tools

The department is responsible for effective and efficient procurement of equipment, products and services across the university, ensuring statutory obligations are met and commercial risks are managed.

More about Procurement at King’s

About the role:
This role supports the Director and Associate Director of Procurement (Science and Research) in delivering the Procurement Transformation Strategy, focusing on Science and Research. The postholder will work with research and laboratory colleagues, pre- and post-award teams to ensure compliant and effective purchasing and contract management.

Strategic objectives include:

• Raising awareness of best procurement practice for Science
• Promoting improved procedures in line with funding requirements
• Providing support and guidance to staff involved in purchasing
• Training and supporting the University’s purchasing community
• Staying informed on market developments and ensuring supply chain resilience
• Identifying and delivering reportable savings
• Supporting sustainability and the Socially Responsible Procurement Policy

Key responsibilities:

• Support colleagues in delivering a highly regarded procurement service
• Ensure policies, practices and procedures are followed, particularly for Science/Research
• Promote effective tendering, negotiation, and supplier vetting
• Maintain partnerships with science and research suppliers
• Encourage use of frameworks and contracts
• Create and maintain accessible procurement tools and templates
• Represent King’s at external consortia and specialist groups
• Advise on procurement legislation, policies, and funder requirements
• Provide management information for senior officers and committees, including savings achieved
• Promote Socially Responsible Procurement Policy
• Undertake other duties as required by the Director or CPO

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week) on an indefinite contract.

About you:

Essential criteria

• CIPS qualification (or working towards)
• Knowledge of organisational purchasing policy and public procurement regulations
• Experience managing science/research procurements and contracts (ideally HE)
• Knowledge of responsible procurement practices
• Experience with Frameworks (ideally Science/Research-related)
• Supplier and contract management experience across a broad range of products/services
• Experience liaising with customers in complex, multi-funded projects
• Experience reviewing and negotiating contract terms with legal support
• Strong time management, workload prioritisation, and autonomous working
• Responsibility for a diverse purchasing portfolio including scientific equipment and maintenance agreements
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector and current challenges

Candidates should submit a CV and supporting statement showing how they meet the essential criteria. If the field is strong, desirable criteria may be used to shortlist.

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