We’re looking for a commercially minded Procurement Manager to play a key role in shaping a more strategic, value-driven procurement function within a complex, purpose-led organisation.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys partnering closely with stakeholders, driving efficiencies, and translating procurement best practice into practical outcomes — particularly within an academic or public-sector environment.
The role
Working closely with senior procurement leadership, you’ll support the delivery of organisation-wide savings, improved commercial capability and stronger contract management. You’ll lead and advise on a broad range of procurement activity, from low-value purchases through to full competitive tenders — with a particular focus on supporting academic and service departments.
You’ll also play an active role in developing procurement strategy, improving systems and processes, and embedding best-practice procurement and contract management across the organisation.
Key responsibilities
- Deliver end-to-end procurement activity across goods and services, ensuring value for money and compliance
- Lead and support competitive tendering, framework call-offs and supplier negotiations
- Promote effective use of central contracts, e-procurement and contract management systems
- Provide expert procurement and contractual advice to non-specialist stakeholders
- Support the delivery of cost savings, efficiencies and continuous improvement initiatives
- Monitor contract performance and supplier value throughout the contract lifecycle
- Ensure compliance with UK public-sector procurement regulations
- Deliver training and guidance to improve commercial awareness across the organisation
- Contribute to reporting, audits and value-for-money assessments
About you
You’ll bring strong procurement expertise, a collaborative mindset and the confidence to influence at all levels.
You’ll likely have:
- A degree (or equivalent experience) and ideally MCIPS membership
- Proven experience delivering procurement strategies, policies and processes
- Strong knowledge of public-sector procurement regulations and frameworks
- Hands-on experience of contract management and performance monitoring
- Experience working in a devolved purchasing environment with e-procurement systems
- Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and drive change in a complex environment
Experience within higher education or a similar public-sector setting is highly desirable.
Why join?
You’ll be part of a forward-thinking organisation with a strong commitment to professional development, inclusion and continuous improvement. The role offers hybrid working, a competitive benefits package and the opportunity to make a genuine impact through smarter, more sustainable procurement.
Gray & Associates is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.