Function
Strategic Finance
Salary
£45,233 - £49,619 (Plus potential market supplement, based on experience & qualifications)
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
£45,233 - £49,619 (Plus potential market supplement, based on experience & qualifications)
Please note that while we have used the job title 'Procurement Category Manager' to advertise the vacancy, the official title of the position is 'Procurement Business Partner'.
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.
About the role
The Procurement Business Partner is part of our Procurement and Contract Management Team, providing expert procurement support that helps deliver NOC's mission. Using a category management approach, the team secures long-term value through strategic sourcing, framework agreements, effective contract management, and supplier risk management. As the team continues to grow, we're rolling out a new tendering system and evolving into a more sustainable, innovative, agile, and strategic function.
As a trusted Business Partner and procurement SME, you will support our marine operations, engineering, and autonomous systems community, building strong stakeholder relationships and delivering best practice procurement. Alongside supporting day-to-day operations, you'll play a key role in two exciting new marine projects, developing and implementing procurement strategies that align with organisational and stakeholder objectives.
Working alongside world-leading ocean researchers and supporting our fleet of advanced research vessels, including the RRS James Cook and RRS Discovery, you'll help procure and manage the infrastructure that enables pioneering marine science. You'll lead compliant sourcing activities, negotiate robust contracts, and manage supplier performance across areas such as vessel maintenance, marine engineering, autonomous systems, specialist equipment, and operational services, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery in a fast-paced environment.
About you
We are seeking a candidate with a robust background in procurement, capable of effectively managing and prioritising multiple projects while fostering strong stakeholder relationships. Even if you cannot demonstrate all of the requirements, you will have:
- Experience acting as a subject matter expert and business partner within cross-functional teams, supporting marine and engineering procurement activities.
- Proven ability to develop innovative sourcing strategies for complex engineering and marine requirements, including ship refits, maintenance programmes, autonomous systems, and fuel supply, while adapting to operational and regulatory changes.
- Strong skills in managing stakeholder relationships within a matrix structure, collaborating with technical, operations, and finance teams.
- Skilled in assessing organisational needs, communicating these to suppliers, and evaluating proposals/contracts for marine and engineering services, including vessel maintenance and dry-dock projects.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and procedures, including compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.
- Experience creating category plans based on market, cost, and supplier analysis for engineering services, marine equipment, ship repair, autonomous systems, and fuel supply frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability in supplier relationship management, including performance oversight and whole-life contract management for marine and engineering suppliers.
- Experience reviewing and negotiating supplier terms and preparing tender/framework documentation for ship maintenance, engineering projects, and fuel contracts.
- Familiarity with a wide range of procurement solutions, including negotiation and competitive tendering for engineering and marine categories.
- Experience with e-tendering/e-procurement systems and ERP systems (Unit4 advantageous), alongside exposure to large public tenders, Public Contracting Regulations, and procurement reporting and analytics.
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 (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
- Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
- financial support for relocation
- a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential 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
- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer
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.
We have 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 may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.
Please note under current UK immigration rules, NOC is only able to sponsor candidate who meet the relevant VISA requirements. Unfortunately, this means that sponsorship is limited to certain categories of applicants such as those with a PhD in a relevant discipline or those qualifying under other exemptions. Applicants who do not meet the visa criteria will need to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Submitting an application
Please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in the position. Applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at [email protected] / 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.
Date advert posted: 03/08/2026
Closing date: 31/08/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
