Deputy Director of Procurement

Overview

In this role you will lead the Procurement team alongside the Director of Procurement to shape and implement the University’s procurement strategy. You will drive value for money, governance, and sustainable procurement across the institution, partnering with Estates & Buildings and Finance to deliver complex contracts and strategic initiatives. You will mentor category managers, provide expert legal and procurement guidance, and advance CIPS accreditation. This is a high-impact, cross-functional leadership role.

Pay / Benefits

• 41 days of leave
• pensions package
• flexible working
• health and wellbeing support
• free 6-month UofG Sport membership
• discount packages

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain the University’s procurement strategy and policy framework
• Lead and manage a professionally qualified procurement team with performance standards
• Provide strategic advice to senior executives on procurement initiatives
• Offer specialist guidance on complex projects including legal considerations
• Manage a tender portfolio from conception to award for complex categories
• Lead capital tenders within Estates and Buildings and collaborate with Finance for best value
• Advise across the University on procurement-related issues and legal interpretations
• Source external advice to manage risk on complex contracts
• Evaluate and improve processes for robust, compliant procurement systems
• Propose and implement changes to procurement policies and procedures
• Deliver staff training and monitor compliance through P2P processes
• Prepare strategic documents and reports (policy, strategic plan, audits, metrics)
• Monitor compliance with procurement rules via dashboards and action non-compliance
• Drive continuous improvement to support CIPS Corporate Certification
• Lead initiatives to enhance efficiency and best practice in procurement
• Represent the University in external groups and strategic committees
• Provide input to external and inter-university groups on procurement strategy
• Monitor supplier performance through SRM/CSRM to ensure value
• Ensure robust terms and conditions across contracts for Estates & Buildings
• Promote sustainable procurement and measure supplier sustainability through ratings
• Maintain the University’s status in CIPS awards and procurement excellence
• Contribute to organisation-wide benefits and equality, diversity and inclusion commitments
• Collaborate on projects like e-procurement, category strategy refresh, documentation control, and internal audits
• Oversee Purchase to Pay (P2P) improvements with Finance
• Engage with external networks and groups to promote procurement strategy

Key requirements

• Strategic leadership experience in procurement
• Degree qualified
• Extensive knowledge of Public Sector Procurement Rules and contract law
• Experience with e-tendering and circular/sustainable procurement
• Ability to develop and implement procurement policies and procedures
• Strong stakeholder management and advisory skills to senior leaders
• Team leadership and performance management experience
• Ability to manage complex tenders and capital projects
• Experience in risk management and contract governance
• Experience with P2P processes and cross-functional collaboration

• Robust negotiation and diplomacy
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Leadership and staff development
• IT proficiency high-level
• E Tendering knowledge
• Contract and supplier relationship management (CSRM)

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