Procurement Category Manager

Lincoln Permanent
  • Join a well established University Procurement Function and develop your skills
  • Flexible hybrid working environment

About Our Client

The University of Lincoln is a university of and for the 21st Century. Created by the people of Lincolnshire, they are as much the University for Lincoln, as the University of Lincoln. Dynamic, enterprising, and globally connected. As one of the largest employers in the city, the University of Lincoln offers exciting career opportunities with the chance to grow and develop to reach your full potential.

Their strategic plan, covering the period 2022-2027, marks a major point in their history as they focus on realising their long-term ambition of being seen as a university that contributes significantly to the nation's success through regional regeneration and international connectivity.

Job Description

At the University of Lincoln, the Procurement & Insurance Team consists of seven members of staff, and this role will join three other Procurement Category Managers, a Deputy Head of Procurement and the Head of Procurement & Insurance in leading on significant Procurement projects.

The role involves

  • Programme managing a portfolio of sourcing activities within the allocated category area
  • Developing individual procurement project time lines and managing adherence to the agreed time lines
  • Researching the dynamics of (and key issues within) the supply market and developing market knowledge
  • Using professional judgement, developing and reviewing options, identifying the most appropriate contract sourcing strategies in accordance with the University's overall Procurement Strategy
  • Ensuring that sourcing strategies are compliant with public procurement legislation
  • Building consensus for, whilst leading and advising internal customers on the sourcing strategy for each contract
  • Implementing the agreed sourcing strategy and managing associated risks
  • Leading the preparation and development of tender documentation (including drafting specifications; modelling evaluation criteria; creating pricing mechanisms etc.)

The Successful Applicant

The successful Procurement Category Manager:
 

  • Will ideally hold CIPS qualification (full or part qualified)
  • Possess an understanding of operating within public procurement law
  • Have experience leading and managing procurement projects independently
  • Be a self-starter with meticulous procurement document drafting skills
  • Be a team player who collaborates on major projects and adapts to different situations
  • Public Sector tenders experience will be a significant advantage but if you have a private sector background and have comparable experience of leading tenders and developing contracts, public sector 'top-up' training can be provided for the right individual
  • Live in commutable distance to Lincoln to be able to work on site twice per week

What's on Offer

On offer to the successful Procurement Category Manager:

Salary:

  • £42,978 - £45,500 per year pending experience and qualifications

Benefits:

  • A minimum of 30 days annual leave plus 14 bank holidays and concessionary days
  • A variety of pension and saving options depending on your role at the University to ensure you are planning for the future
  • Hybrid working environment with 2 days per week on site in Lincoln
  • Staff pay increases up a salary scale annually
  • Generous sick pay from day one of employment
  • Supportive leave approaches for parents and carers
  • Discounted lifestyle support for wellbeing, holidays, and day-to-day purchases

Development/learning opportunities:

  • A great opportunity to take next step forward in your career, you'll be given technical training and mentoring support from experienced colleagues
  • Comprehensive on-the-job induction as to how the Procurement Team work, what's expected from you and how to use our established tools and templates
  • Plenty of guidance and support with escalation of issues and challenges you may come across
  • Buddy system (pairing up with other Procurement Category Managers) on major projects so you can gain exposure to more challenging projects and broaden your experience
  • Role reports direct to Head of Procurement & Insurance - frequent informal contact, weekly 1:1s, regular feedback and opportunities for learning from a senior professional

Working environment

  • You'll be joining an established Procurement Team that is well respected by senior leaders at the University
  • You'll work in a structured way on a manageable number of key priorities/projects at any one time
  • You'll work on a diverse range of projects across Digital/ICT, Professional Services, Corporate Services/Contracts and more to broaden your knowledge
  • Two days in the office in an environment fully redesigned for hybrid working, plenty of opportunities to meet wider colleagues in person
  • Friendly, fun, welcoming and supportive colleagues in the Procurement Team and wider Finance Department
  • You'll be part of a genuine team where everyone gets stuck in, helps each other out and shares ideas and experience

Wellbeing

  • Health and Wellbeing Benefits: On-site health checks, sports injury clinics, flu vaccinations, and sports activities like football, netball, and running
  • Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support with specialist phone lines, online sessions, and a wellbeing monitoring app
  • Mental Health Support: Open culture, stress awareness, emotional intelligence sessions, and access to mental health first aiders
  • Continuous Education: Opportunities for growth through Financial Education, neurodiversity awareness, and skill development like sign language
Contact
Callum Robson
Quote job ref
JN-092023-6170953
Phone number
+44 113 243 7729

Job summary

Job function
Procurement & Supply Chain
Subsector
Indirect Procurement
Sector
Public Sector
Location
Lincoln
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Callum Robson
Consultant phone
+44 113 243 7729
Job reference
JN-092023-6170953