Salary: £31,236 – £32,080 per annum with progression to £34,610. The closing date for applications is 04 November 2025.
Newcastle University offers generous holiday packages, pension schemes, and health and wellbeing initiatives that support staff.
The Role
Under the direction of the Head of Procurement, the successful candidate will administer contracts for the purchase of goods, works, or services, and manage Dynamic Purchasing Systems, contracts, and framework agreements to meet University requirements while ensuring compliance with legal, University, and funding council requirements and achieving best value.
Working closely with Procurement Managers, the role requires high levels of integrity, self‑motivation, initiative, and professional resilience.
For enquiries: ola.smith@newcastle.ac.uk. Interviews are scheduled for 14 November 2025.
Key Accountabilities
* Administer the letting and management of Dynamic Purchasing Systems, framework agreements, research, capital equipment, services contracts, and compile tender documents.
* Manage the tender process, including issuing tenders, supplier management, tender receipt and opening, assessment, post‑tender clarification and negotiations, and ongoing contract management.
* Ensure Dynamic Purchasing Systems and framework agreements meet University needs and comply with regulations.
* Assist in creating detailed specifications for contract requirements and compile contract documentation.
* Manage contracts to ensure supplier compliance and conduct audits with audit reports.
* Negotiate with suppliers to achieve best value and resolve conflicts and disagreements, including price reductions.
* Support Procurement Managers with RFQs, ITTs, reporting, and best purchasing practice, ensuring compliance with Public Contracts Regulations and National Audit Office guidelines.
* Represent the University at meetings, seminars, exhibitions, regional consortiums, and national agreement groups.
* Act as a deputy for Procurement Managers during absences to ensure continuity.
* Advocate for the procurement function.
* Provide administrative support to the central procurement service.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Understanding of contract law to secure best value and institutional protection.
* Knowledge of Dynamic Purchasing Systems operation.
* Knowledge of the Public Procurement Law (desirable).
* Experience in administrating contracts throughout the contract life‑cycle (desirable).
* Excellent oral and written communication skills for internal and external stakeholder engagement.
* Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
* Ability to compile and analyse spend and supplier performance statistics.
* High‑level proficiency in IT systems and ability to design tender documentation and reports using Microsoft Office.
* Ability to manage university‑wide projects, including complex project planning.
* Ability to work under pressure, prioritise workload, and meet strict deadlines.
Attributes and Behaviour
* Planned and structured work approach, effective use of time.
* Prioritises with team and area objectives.
* Adapts communication style to audience.
* Helpful and shares workloads.
* Supportive of team decisions and values others’ opinions.
* Initiative to resolve issues and utilise resources effectively.
* Problem‑solving orientation, seeks alternative solutions.
Qualifications
* Degree level or equivalent in business studies or business management.
* Desirable: Level 4 Diploma, Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification.
Additional Information
Newcastle University is an equal‑opportunity employer. The University is committed to diversity, inclusion, and supporting staff from all backgrounds. We hold the Athena Swan Gold Award for gender equality and the Race Equality Charter Bronze Award. Disabled applicants are invited to contact the recruitment team for interview support.
Seniority level: Entry level.
Employment type: Contract.
Job function: Purchasing and Supply Chain.
Industry: Higher Education.
Requisition ID: 28745.
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