We are seeking a Director of Procurement to lead our university-wide procurement function, overseeing an annual expenditure of £350m. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this is a pivotal leadership position responsible for shaping and delivering a strategic, high‑performing procurement service that supports our world‑class teaching, research, and operational priorities.
As Director of Procurement, you will provide clear, strategic direction across all purchasing and supply‑chain activities, ensuring value for money, compliance with legal and ethical standards, and the delivery of robust, efficient and forward‑thinking procurement processes.
This is a transformative moment for us as we implement major process improvements and transition to Oracle Fusion Cloud, making this an exciting opportunity to drive long‑lasting change.
You will play a central role in influencing senior leaders, embedding best practice, and ensuring that procurement contributes meaningfully to strategic objectives, including sustainability and our commitment to achieving net zero by 2040.
You will lead and modernise our procurement function, ensuring effective governance, operational excellence, and a consistent focus on value for money. Providing senior leadership oversight on all procurement and contracting processes, including developing and executing category strategies, improving procure‑to‑pay operations, and embedding streamlined, standardised methodologies across the organisation.
A key part of your remit will be driving a major transformation programme that enhances procurement activity end‑to‑end covering sourcing, supplier management, contract management, and digital enablement. You will lead our transition to the Oracle Fusion ERP platform, maximising its capability to deliver efficiency, transparency and better decision‑making.
You will lead a skilled team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and innovation. Your leadership will help strengthen relationships with internal stakeholders and guide the organisation in achieving ambitious efficiency targets, sustainability commitments, and improvements to our procurement control environment. You will also represent the university externally, working closely with research funders, government bodies, suppliers, and other strategic partners.
We ask candidates to detail in their application or additional cover letter, how they meet the following criteria:
1. MCIPS qualification or equivalent
2. Extensive experience in senior procurement leadership roles within large, complex organisations
3. Strong track record of leading procurement transformation and delivering measurable improvements
4. Experience interacting with senior internal and external stakeholders including research donors and professional bodies
5. Proven expertise in negotiating strategic procurement agreements
6. Deep knowledge of procurement best practice, processes, and systems
7. Strong influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at executive level
8. Exceptional negotiation and commercial skills with sound judgement
9. Focus on operational excellence with a proactive approach to process improvement
10. Ability to inspire, lead, and develop teams
11. Excellent written and oral communication skills
12. Creative problem‑solver with the ability to drive organisational change
13. The opportunity to lead and transform our procurement offering to the university.
14. The chance to work on and support the implementation of our new ERP System, Oracle Cloud.
15. A competitive salary and sector-leading benefits package, including generous annual leave, pension provision and flexible working arrangements.
16. Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
17. Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
18. Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various and resources to support your personal and professional .