Procurement Buyer

Location: Gipsy Lane Site, Headington Campus 

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We’re a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”

The Procurement Buyer role is for those who are in the early part of their procurement career, or who wish to transition into the procurement sector. The role involves engaging with stakeholders, supporting procurement activities, contract negotiations and conducting market research and developing procurement expertise.

The role will support and enable procurement colleagues across the category management structure, that will include procurements in the Digital and Technology category, Academic and Student Services category and the Professional and Business Services spend category.

Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Senior Category Manager the Procurement Buyer will contribute to continuous improvement in governance, practice and process across the University and deliver operational excellence and innovation in end-to-end procurement and contract management.

Our small procurement team is growing, and moving to a category management approach and structure that aligns with the University’s strategic vision and objectives. We are developing a strategic, coordinated procurement approach that improves commerciality, risk management, and service quality across the University, from the c.£50 million that the University spends annually on goods, services, and works, purchased from a multitude of suppliers.

What will I be doing?

• Lead, undertake, manage and support procurement and contract management activities across the University.
• Provide exceptional customer service for internal and external stakeholders and suppliers acting as the first port of call for procurement-related queries, triaging them appropriately, and ensuring timely and effective resolutions whilst building strong working relationships.
• To manage procurement operational processes to ensure the successful coordination of legislative requirements, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies and regulations.
• Undertake procurement activities to facilitate quotes, tenders, and call-offs from Framework Agreements, or by preparing tender documentation on e-tendering solutions and go out to the market to ensure value for money and compliance in each tender and contract.

Based at our Headington Campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. This role will be hybrid and we expect attendance on campus for at least 1-2 days per week, which may increase during 2026 and 2027 as our hybrid working policies evolve over time.

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year).

We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate.

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

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