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Overview
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. We are a dynamic and vibrant community solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes. Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your perspective to our organisation.
About the role
The Procurement Business Partner is part of the Strategic Procurement team and provides professional procurement expertise to nominated functions within the organisation. This role supports day-to-day operations and NOC projects by designing, implementing, and managing procurement strategies that align with stakeholder goals. The post acts as a Business Partner, strategic advisor, and procurement SME, forging strong stakeholder relationships to deliver best practice procurement in a fast-paced, high-tech, and scientific environment. You will ensure high levels of service, governance and compliance with public procurement regulations (including the Procurement Act 2023), and promote best practices across the supply chain.
Two roles are available: one within Marine & Engineering and one within IT & Professional Services. Typical scopes include vessel operations, marine engineering and technical systems, shipboard and autonomous equipment, specialist consumables, and time-sensitive operational needs. You will plan and run compliant sourcing activities, negotiate robust, proportionate contracts, and manage supplier performance to support safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery in a dynamic environment. IT & Professional Services will involve delivering procurement solutions across technology and professional services, ensuring compliance with public sector regulations and NOC policies.
Responsibilities
The role includes, but is not limited to:
* Partner with vessel operations, marine engineering, and MARS teams to design and execute procurement strategies
* Plan and run compliant sourcing activities; negotiate terms and contracts
* Manage supplier performance and ensure governance and compliance with procurement regulations
* Develop category plans based on market analysis, costs, and supplier landscapes
* Support day-to-day procurement activities and contribute to strategic procurement initiatives
For IT & Professional Services, deliver procurement solutions across technology and professional service categories, ensuring value for money while complying with regulations and policies.
About you
We are seeking a candidate with a robust background in procurement who can manage multiple projects, foster strong stakeholder relationships, and adapt to changing needs. You will have:
* Experience as a subject matter expert and business partner within cross-functional teams
* Ability to provide innovative solutions to complex problems
* Strong skills in managing relationships within a matrix organization
* Experience assessing needs, communicating with suppliers, and evaluating proposals/contracts
* Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations (Procurement Act 2023)
* Experience creating category plans based on market analysis; experience in scientific laboratory supplies, engineering, or marine industry is essential
* Experience in supplier relationship management and whole-life contract management
* Experience reviewing and negotiating supplier terms and preparing tender/framework documentation
* Experience with a wide range of procurement solutions including negotiation
* ERP experience (Unit4 advantageous); exposure to large public tenders and procurement analytics
* Desirable MCIPS or equivalent certification; degree level education or equivalent is also desirable
Why NOC?
We offer a generous benefits package, including:
* 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
* Employee Assistance Programme for mental, physical, emotional, health and financial support
* Flexible benefits portal with online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
* Cycle2Work scheme
* Social events and a Living Wage Employer accreditation
Location
This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport with cycle parking and onsite parking available, including EV charging points. NOC has a hybrid working approach; most positions allow remote work up to 2 days per week. Flexible arrangements can be discussed with the recruitment team.
Submitting an application
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter highlighting your interest in either the Marine & Engineering or IT & Professional Services.
If you are unable to apply online, contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk or 07355 676794. Please review the attached job description and person specification before submitting your application.
Diversity and inclusion
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply, and all employment decisions are made on qualifications, skills and experience without regard to protected characteristics. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.
Date advert posted: 16/09/2025
Closing date: 14/10/2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants. We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Supply Chain
Industries
* Research Services
There is no further text relevant to the job description beyond this point.
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