Strategic Procurement Business Partner

at  Culham Centre for Fusion Energy

CENTRALISED

Department
Procurement
Discipline
Business Development
Site Location
UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
Type of Employment
Full-time
Reference Number

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (MCIPS), qualified
• Detailed experience of Public Sector Procurement and PCR (2015) regs
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to negotiate at the highest levels with suppliers.
• Commercially astute and customer focused.
• Excellent negotiation skills with sound understanding of NEC form of Contract.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to influence at senior levels.
• Relevant expertise and experience to act as the lead expert for complex/critical Procurement and Commercial issues and influence both internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience of supporting the needs and expectations of collaborations / consortiums and their stakeholders.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES

UKAEA’s pay arrangements and grading structure are currently under review as part of a transformation project and proposed multi-year pay deal. UKAEA aims to introduce a new grading structure in 2024. This will enable us to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise the scientific and economic benefit. Now is a great time to join the Organisation and be part of the journey.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

THE ROLE

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Strategic Procurement Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in

• Managing and oversee procurement and contract management for high-value, complex projects supporting strategic fusion development and indirect spend contracts.
• To Lead procurement strategies for a key programme area, involving collaboration with government, industry, academia, and senior stakeholders.
• You will engage in supply chain activities, including supplier development and organizing specialized sourcing events to boost procurement engagement and innovate contracting models.
• You will work closely with the Head of Programme and senior stakeholders to implement strategic procurement plans and handle operational commercial matters.
• To possess MCIPS qualification and extensive public sector procurement experience, actively managing KPIs and post-contract involvement for strategically important contracts.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Procurement Management: Manage a range of complex, high-value end-to-end procurements and contracts to ensure maximum value for money in line with UKAEA procurement policies and public contract regulations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a strategic partner influencing internal and external stakeholders up to Director level, helping solve problems and realize opportunities within specified areas.
• Business Intelligence and Analysis: Develop and analyze procurement management information to improve business intelligence and support commercial decisions and planning across the organization.
• Collaborative Operations: Work closely with various UKAEA departments and external parties to ensure procurement projects comply with organizational policies and regulatory requirements, including public tender postings.
• Commercial Leadership: Lead commercial engagement for significant procurements (above £10M), facilitating commercial approvals and strategies with the DESNZ Commercial team and the Cabinet Office.
• Evaluation and Compliance: Oversee the tender evaluation process, ensuring compliance with procurement regulation
  Salary
  £61,556 (inclusive of £5,000 if fully MCIPS qualified) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
  View benefits
  Programme