The Senior Procurement Officer will join the University’s senior procurement team and lead high-value category and project activity, delivering compliant, robust and auditable end-to-end procurement in line with University Financial Regulations and public procurement requirements (PCR 2015 / Procurement Act 2023).
Working closely with senior academic and professional services stakeholders, the postholder will shape and implement category strategies, lead complex tendering and negotiations, and provide commercial advice that mitigates risk and delivers best value across a non pay spend of £28m per annum. The role will also drive continuous improvement through data-led reporting, business cases and options appraisals, while supporting the development of colleagues and strengthening procurement capability across the institution. We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Senior Procurement Officer to play a pivotal role in delivering best‑value procurement solutions across the University of Worcester. This is a fantastic opportunity to join the Procurement team at a significant time of change in public sector procurement, working collaboratively with a high performing, supportive and dedicated team to deliver and influence strategic projects and deliver a first-class customer service to the University.
This role will join the senior procurement team and will play a pivotal role in maintaining and developing the University’s Procurement function to ensure operational, strategic, and statutory requirements are efficiently met and reported. You will lead, design and implement procurement strategies, support the procurement team in managing the Sustainable Procurement Group and contribute directly to the University’s wider procurement and commercial goals. You will collaborate with senior stakeholders, shape category directions, and drive continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
Value delivered: Achieve and evidence measurable value across the portfolio (cashable savings and/or cost avoidance), supported by robust baseline methodology and benefits tracking agreed with Finance.
Compliance & auditability: Deliver end-to-end compliant procurements with a clear audit trail (tender documentation, evaluation, approvals, contract award), meeting internal governance requirements and public procurement rules (PCR 2015 / Procurement Act 2023).
Procurement cycle time & customer experience: Improve the quality of procurement delivery for stakeholders while maintaining high customer satisfaction and clear communication throughout.
Risk and strategy delivery: Providing expert commercial leadership for complex strategic contract negotiations, mitigating financial, commercial and legal risks.
Contract and supplier performance: Implement/strengthen contract and supplier performance management for key contracts (KPIs, service reviews, issue resolution), improving performance and reducing operational/commercial risk.
Insight & reporting: Provide high-quality management information (spend analysis, KPI dashboards, pipeline reporting and options appraisals) that supports senior decision-making and demonstrates procurement’s contribution to university objectives.
This is a varied role, so flexibility, high levels of enthusiasm and professional approach will be a key requirement along with strong relationship building and people skills. This role will suit an individual who has strong communication skills, and excellent attention to detail. The ability to handle confidential information in accordance with GDPR and Data protection legislation is key, as is the understanding of Public Procurement Regulations and University Financial Regulations
What we are looking for
A degree or equivalent experience.
Proven experience delivering procurement strategies and managing spend over £10m per year, achieving measurable savings and best value.
Broad expertise spanning category management, tendering, specification development, whole‑life costing, contract formation and contract management.
High-level negotiation skills with strong commercial and legal awareness.
Ability to work with cross‑functional teams and senior‑level stakeholder groups to successful outcomes.
Excellent communication skills and the confidence to influence at all levels.
Knowledge of Public Contracts Regulations 2015 / the Procurement Act 2023
Desirable
MCIPS qualification
What's in it for you?
Annual incremental increase from £43,482, with the opportunity to progress to £47,389
Up to 34 days of leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays and University closure days) rising to 39 total days after 5 years’ service
Attractive Pension Scheme
Access to a range of benefits including our Staff Retail Benefits Scheme
Wellbeing advice and support through our Employee Assistance Programme
In-house training and development support
A friendly, inclusive and supportive culture and work environment
Should you wish to discuss the job please contact Kathy Preece, Head of Procurement.
Please note that if not already an employee of the University of Worcester, the appointed candidate will be employed through our subsidiary company Uniworc Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of University of Worcester. Appointees of Uniworc Limited will automatically be enrolled into the Aviva FlexHE defined contribution pension scheme (subject to earnings and other eligibility criteria).
Please note that this post may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route if your individual circumstances enable this in accordance with the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information on how the Skilled Worker visa rules may apply to you please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
