Procurement Advisor

The University of Sussex is a dynamic, innovative, top 50 university. With a campus based in the South Downs National Park but just a few minutes from the city of Brighton and Hove, it provides an excellent working environment in a remarkable setting, combined with all that the city has to offer.

Creative thinking, intellectual challenge and collaborative working are fundamental to a Sussex education and that is reflected in our workplace too. This is an exciting chance to join a team working at the center of the University.

Within the University’s Finance department, the Strategic Procurement Team are responsible for identifying/supporting key areas of spend within the University and identifying ways of adding value through procurement processes whilst ensuring compliance.

We are looking to recruit aspiring** **procurement/contract professionals within our Operational Procurement Team.

You will bring a positive attitude, practical skills and desire to learn and develop within the Procurement and Contract environment. In return, the role offers an exciting variety of work opportunities and a structured training and development program through to full MCIPS if desired.

Previous holders of this post have successfully developed towards MCIPS qualification whilst also successfully progressing within the University. This is an incredible opportunity for an ambitious self-starter to embark on a Procurement and contract management career which will lead to the industry leading qualification and opportunities to progress.

This role has been mapped as equivalent to the “Tactical” competence level in the CIPS Global Standards. The post holder will therefore be expected to work towards equivalent knowledge and capability, and maintain a performance level up to and including this competence threshold whilst studying towards further development.
- The post holder will be encouraged to undertake a programme of professional study for a procurement qualification (MCIPS). This will be funded by the University in accordance with the departmental study policy, although the post holder will be expected to maintain CIPS membership to enable their ongoing study.
- Assist with providing a professional sourcing and procurement service to the University for all goods, services and works ensuring best value for money, service and quality from the most suitable suppliers, and in full compliance with relevant legislation.
- Support the Procurement team to drive value for money in commercial contracts, transactions and arrangements for procuring goods and services and in its ongoing relationships with suppliers.
- Support the contracts team deliver an ambitious future for contract management
- Support pre-procurement, sourcing and contract management activity including strategy development, market engagement, negotiation, performance management and exit activity where required.
- Support the development and implementation of category strategies, using market insight and strategic awareness to inform the content and identify opportunities for enhanced value for money in commercial arrangements
- Support the Contracts team in tracking and analysing spend, savings, supplier performance and driving continuous improvement across assigned area(s) of spend.
- Support the aims, commitments and ambitions set out within the University’s Sustainability Strategy.
- The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds._
- You can find out more about our values and our EDI Strategy, _Inclusive Sussex_, on our webpages._