Senior Procurement Manager

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Senior Procurement Manager to play a pivotal role in delivering best-value procurement solutions in capital construction across the University of Warwick. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing procurement team and influence major strategic projects.

In this senior role, you will lead a portfolio exceeding £10m spend per annum, design and implement procurement strategies, and contribute directly to the University’s wider procurement and commercial goals. You will collaborate with senior stakeholders, shape category direction and drive continuous improvement in one of the UK’s most dynamic higher education institutions. You will have extensive, proven experience of leading capital construction tenders from start to finish.

Please note: this is a 12-month fixed-term contract.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading high-value category and project procurement strategies, ensuring alignment with budgets, KPIs and University goals.
• Delivering compliant, robust and auditable end-to-end procurement processes, including competitive tendering and framework agreements.
• Providing expert commercial leadership for complex strategic contract negotiations, mitigating financial, commercial and legal risks.
• Leading cross-functional project teams to deliver process improvements, category innovations and procurement best practice across the institution.
• Building strong, collaborative relationships with senior academic and professional services stakeholders.
• Supporting and developing junior team members while contributing to the overall maturity and capability of the Procurement Office.
• Producing business cases, options appraisals, KPI analysis and high-impact reporting for senior decision-makers.

What we’re looking for

You’ll bring extensive experience in complex procurement environments and a strong record of delivering value through strategy, category management and negotiation. We’re looking for:

• A degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience delivering procurement strategies and managing spend of over £10m per year in capital construction, achieving measurable savings and best value.
• Broad expertise spanning category management, tendering, specification development, whole-life costing, contract formation and contract management.
• High-level negotiation skills with strong commercial and legal awareness.
• The ability to lead cross-functional teams and senior stakeholder groups to successful outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to influence at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to thrive under pressure and to strict deadlines.

Desirable:

• MCIPS qualification.
• Knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and/or the Procurement Act 2023.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to operate at a genuinely strategic level within a world-class research institution. You will:

• Shape major category strategies with real institutional impact.
• Lead high-profile, complex procurements and negotiations.
• Work collaboratively with influential stakeholders across the University.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in a mature, forward-thinking procurement function.
• Enjoy the benefits and stability of a major higher education employer.

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the 'Apply' button.

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