Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Senior Category Manager, the Procurement Buyer (Academic & Student Services, Digital & Technology and Professional & Business Services) will lead, undertake, and support end-to-end procurement and contract management activities. You will act as a primary contact for procurement queries, drive cashable savings, support supplier negotiations, and ensure full compliance and governance across key spend categories. This is a full time 6-month fixed-term post and is available immediately.
About the team You will join the Procurement team within Finance and Legal Services as Oxford Brookes transforms how it spends £50 million annually on goods, services, and construction. The team collaborates closely with internal academic and operational stakeholders, as well as external suppliers and framework providers. Our ambition is to modernize procurement, deliver operational excellence, drive financial savings, and elevate the overall student and staff experience.
What will I be doing?
- Leading and supporting quotes, tenders, and call-offs from Framework Agreements, including running e-tendering processes.
- Acting as the main point of contact for internal and external procurement queries, triaging requests, and building strong stakeholder relationships.
- Monitoring supplier performance and SLA/KPI compliance, organizing contract reviews via ServiceNow for Gold, Silver, and Bronze contracts.
- Conducting spend analysis and producing regular reporting, including weekly high-value spend and monthly purchasing card reports.
- Supporting price and service negotiations alongside Category Managers to hit organisational annual savings targets.
- Guiding internal University colleagues through tender evaluation and moderation processes.
- Facilitating the roll-out of procurement training and self-service resources to contract owners across the University.
- Deputising for Category Managers when required and representing the department at relevant professional events.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills in a professional environment.
- Strong operational, organisational, and problem-solving abilities with high attention to detail.
- Strong numeracy skills with the ability to analyse, manipulate, and present spend data logically.
- Self-motivated and adaptable approach, with proven ability to prioritise workloads and meet savings and compliance targets.
- Prior experience in procurement-related roles and working towards MCIPS (Desirable).
- Familiarity with e-procurement platforms, ServiceNow, or Higher Education finance systems (Desirable).
- Practical understanding of procurement governance, policies, and legislative compliance (Desirable).
Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: ‘shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.’ Our people are at the heart of the University – our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive. In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
About the location
Based at our Headington campus, you will experience a vibrant atmosphere and modern office environment just one mile from Oxford city centre, with excellent public transport links. This role operates on a hybrid working pattern, typically requiring a 50/50 split between home and campus working.
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days’ holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year). We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly. We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme as well as providing all staff with financial education and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline. We prioritise the well-being of our employees-both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That’s why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.
- Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
- Brookes on-site Nursery.
- Discounted travel options
- TOTUM card discount scheme
- Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
- Training and development opportunities
- Connected community – Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community, offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
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