Procurement Category Manager - Research & Academic Services

A great opportunity for a Procurement Category Manager to join the University of Surrey’s Professional Services team playing a critical role in shaping and delivering the procurement strategy for research-related goods and services within the University.

You will focus on optimising value, ensuring compliance where required, and fostering strategic supplier partnerships to support the University’s research and academic missions. 

We value, empower and support every member of staff to get the best out of your unique talents, so you’ll be rewarded with a generous salary, Christmas & Easter closure leave, excellent pension contribution and a unique and vibrant working environment.    

The Role:

Working in close collaboration with faculties, laboratories, and research teams, you’ll endeavour to understand their unique needs, enabling the delivery of tailored procurement solutions that enhance research excellence and operational efficiency. 

The role requires a good understanding of public procurement regulations for projects utilising publicly funded research spend, with the ability to apply a more flexible and commercially driven approach in other areas.

 While the primary focus is on research, laboratory, and academic procurement, the role may also be involved in other procurement projects, such as within campus services, when required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead procurement strategies and projects for research equipment, laboratory supplies, academic services, and other research-related spend, ensuring alignment with faculty and research priorities.
• Work closely with academic departments, research teams, and laboratory staff to understand needs, provide guidance, and drive best-value procurement solutions.
• Establish and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality service, cost-effectiveness, and risk mitigation while negotiating favourable terms and conditions.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies and public procurement regulations for grant-funded research projects while applying a flexible approach where possible.
• Embed responsible, sustainable procurement principles while driving cost savings and efficiency improvements and without compromising on quality.
• Lead high-value tendering processes and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track procurement effectiveness and supplier performance.
• Provide expertise and support for procurement initiatives beyond research and academic services, including campus services and other strategic projects as required.
• Stay informed on industry trends, supplier developments, and emerging technologies to enhance procurement strategies and support research advancements.

What’s in it for you?

We think Surrey is an amazing place to work. We’re a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research, and are carefully crafting a dynamic, flexible, and fun place to work and thrive. 
  
Our campus is based in beautiful landscaped grounds, offering greenery, a lake and plenty of space for colleagues to meet, collaborate and reflect.

Alongside our unique collegiate atmosphere on-site and flexible hybrid/home working opportunities, we also offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Annual Incremental pay rise
• Market-leading pension 
• 32 Days Holiday (PLUS Bank Holidays!)
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits including subsidised rail fare, cycle to work and on-site childcare
• Access to world-class fitness facilities at discounted rates 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We value everyone in our community and are seeking to increase the diversity. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities. 

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