The Procurement Services Team is part of the Finance, Estates & Commercial Services Professional Service, contributing to the University 2030 People, Purpose, Place strategy. We have recently changed our approach to Procurement and so now focus on Category Management to ensure that we align our service provision to the strategy.
We have an opportunity to appoint a new team member to support key pillars of activity, covering Estates/Commercial Services and Business Services/ IT. This role will align with one of the two pillars working to achieve objectives in support of the University's Strategy 2030.
In addition, the role will also take responsibility for either the Purpose or Place strategy element of our strategic Procurement plan. This is an exciting opportunity as you will bring your knowledge and experience to help us transform procurement whilst developing and reviewing category plans.
The Procurement team is responsible for circa £100 - £120 million non-pay (exc. capital) expenditure across the University. This post will contribute to making the Procurement team an integral strategic function across the University, to deliver Value for Money outcomes for both capital and revenue expenditure, as well as championing sustainability and equality initiatives. Our Procurement vision and strategy align to the university values and sets out how we want to contribute to UWE life.
About You
We are seeking a self-motivated and highly organised individual to carry out category management and procurement activities. Liaising with stakeholders to understand their needs, ensure their buy in, identifying routes to market, sourcing suppliers, managing tenders, monitoring performance and ensuring legal compliance – all are part and parcel of this interesting, varied and vital role.
You will be responsible for a wide range of procurement and category management activities. This will include category management, developing tender plans, management of the end-to-end tender process including contract and supplier relationship management. The role requires a broad understanding of public sector sourcing arrangements. Experience of the public procurement rules would be an advantage.
You will be educated to degree level or equivalent and ideally be a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. Experienced in complex procurement, working with multiple stakeholders in detailed organisational structures, you will be decisive, focused on priorities, goal driven and able to effectively manage competing demands for your time.
Possessing UK public‑sector procurement and category management experience will be beneficial for this role.
Where you will be working
UWE Bristol is a campus-based University, with vibrant campus communities that are central to student life.
In this role, you’ll be based at our modern Frenchay campus where we’ve invested in state‑of‑the‑art facilities to support both staff and students in achieving their best.
We value flexibility, so while most of your time will be spent on campus (typically three to four days per week), there’s the option to work from home on other days, depending on business needs.
Why UWE Bristol?
We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in Bristol, one of the UK’s most exciting and forward‑thinking cities, we are regionally embedded and globally connected, with an established network of employer and academic partners.
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.
Add your individuality to ours
UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community.
We’re part of a vibrant, multicultural city and welcome talented people from all backgrounds. Diversity is our strength, enhancing creativity, decision‑making, and problem‑solving. Join our supportive community and thrive.
We particularly encourage applications from global majority candidates as we are currently under‑represented in this area of the organisation, however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.
As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.
Further information
If you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role please contact Helen Baker, Procurement Director on 0117 328 2239 or email: helen.baker@uwe.ac.uk.
This is a full time, permanent post, working 37 hours per week.
Interviews for this role will take place at our Frenchay Campus on a date to be confirmed.
Salary offers are made in line with the University’s salary assessment guidelines, reflecting your relevant skills and experience in parity with colleagues.
Right to Work in the UK
If offered a role, you will need to provide valid documentation confirming your right to work in the UK before employment begins. Guidance on acceptable documents is available via the Home Office Right to Work Checklist.
We may be able to sponsor eligible candidates for this role under the Skilled Worker visa route; however, visa sponsorship eligibility is assessed only at offer stage, being invited to interview does not indicate an offer of sponsorship.
Please review our Skilled Worker Guidance and UK Government website to assess your eligibility. If you do not qualify you may wish to explore other visa options.
Please note that UWE Bristol does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.
Next Steps
We’d love to hear from you – if this role excites you, please complete our application form as soon as possible and tell us how your skills and experience meet the criteria listed in the Person Specification, using clear and relevant examples wherever possible.
We’ll keep you informed of the outcome by email once shortlisting is complete.
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