Procurement Category Manager - Science & Technology

at  The National Oceanography Centre

Procurement Category Manager - Science & Technology
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time
£40,444 – £44,366
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business, and societal outcomes.
The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic, and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science, and discovery at the heart of our culture.
Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.
About the role
The Procurement Category Manager at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) plays a crucial role within the Procurement team, offering professional support to help NOC achieve its mission. This position presents an exciting opportunity to join NOC Procurement as we advance our category management plans and evolve into a sustainable, innovative, agile, and strategic procurement function.
As a team operating in a fast-paced, high-tech, and scientific environment, we seek an innovative thinker capable of embracing ambiguity and collaborating effectively with key stakeholders.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, tenacious, and resilient procurement specialist to support procurement activities across various Science and Technology projects. This role involves ensuring high levels of service, maintaining governance, and promoting best practices across the supply chain.
Responsibilities include managing all aspects of Science and Technology procurement, such as suppliers, equipment, and services across multiple departments. You will need to work confidently with both external supply chain partners and internal stakeholders.
Ideal candidates will have experience in the following areas:
Science and Technology (e.g., laboratories, science project support, science-based technology) or engineering/marine sector.
Public sector procurement regulations and procedures, including the Procurement Act 2023.
Managing the end-to-end tender process in public and commercial sectors.
Developing and deploying procurement category strategies.
Reviewing legal terms and conditions and contributing to supplier contracts.
About you
We are seeking a candidate with a robust background in procurement and/or supply chain management, capable of effectively managing and prioritizing multiple projects while fostering strong stakeholder relationships. Demonstrating strong business acumen, you should possess a track record in negotiating pricing and supplier contracts, and conducting thorough due diligence to assess commercial risks.
You will have experience of ERP systems (Unit 4 would be advantageous) and ideally exposure to large public tenders, Public Contracting Regulations, and procurement reporting and analytics.
The ideal candidate will be a member or studying towards MCIPS or possess an equivalent professional certification in supply chain management.
Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
• access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations

Location
This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.
The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.
We can support visa applications where required. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.
Submitting an application
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.
Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.
Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation.
Date advert posted: 19/06/2024
Closing date: 17/07/2024. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.

Please refer the Job description for details