Reference:
0231-26
Please note: this job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University
Lancaster University is among the best in the UK. Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2026 and consistently placed in the top 15 in major UK league tables, we’re also highly ranked in international league tables such as the QS World Rankings. This vacancy is an opportunity to join a dynamic team in a unique sector and to help shape and deliver our strategy. Procurement at Lancaster has undergone significant transformation in recent years. The team continues to expand its reach and is forward-thinking in its approach to managing the full range of Purchase to Pay and Source to Contract activity for the University’s non-pay expenditure of around £100m per year. The University has declared a Climate Emergency and set an ambitious target to be Carbon Net Zero by 2035. The Procurement team plays a key role in the delivery of this target.
The Higher Education (HE) sector purchases an unparalleled range of goods and services. The Procurement team at Lancaster work with world-leading academics and colleagues from other Professional Services areas such as Facilities and Information Systems. A wide variety of categories are managed including Laboratory Supplies & Equipment, Travel, IT, Construction, Maintenance, and Business Support Services. Procurement at Lancaster is a well-established and mature function. We score highly on the sector-wide best practice procurement indicators and set stretch goals to continuously improve. This is a large and ambitious team within a people-focused organisation providing opportunities to progress and develop.
The Senior Buyer role requires experience in all parts of the procurement process from sourcing and tendering through to supplier management and purchase to pay. Prior experience in a relevant category is an advantage, however, you will work with technical Subject Matter Experts to deliver compliant and commercial procurement processes. You will lead a supplier management programme that delivers savings and soft benefits in line with the University’s strategy including our ambitious aim of achieving Carbon neutrality by 2035. You will have a proven track record of implementing successful process improvement, gaining buy-in from colleagues, and training others.
Prior experience working in the HE Sector is not essential and we welcome applications from candidates with experience gained in the private sector or the wider public sector. The role is full-time but applications for flexible working will be considered. The University operates a hybrid working model and around 40% of this role can be delivered effectively from home.
We offer a comprehensive set of benefits in addition to competitive salaries: final salary pension schemes, work-life balance, training including CIPS Study & promotion opportunities, and staff recognition schemes.
Further Details:
Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.
Find out what it's like to, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.
The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.