Deputy Head of Procurement

The interview dates are provisionally set as the week commencing 2nd December.

This role has an additional market supplement to be applied dependent on qualifications / experience of the successful candidate.

This is an exceptional time to be joining the University of Southampton and the Procurement Services Team. The University has an ambitious Strategy Inspiring the remarkable, and as the Deputy Head of Procurement you will play a pivotal role in supporting the procurement team in enabling the University to achieve its goals. Whether it’s working with colleagues to deliver our ambitious Estates Strategic Plan or Digital Transformation Agenda or supporting Research related projects, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced procurement professional, to join our team.

About the role

You will:

•    Provide strategic oversight in the development of the procurement and contract management operating framework across the organisation.

•    Enable the implementation of the Procurement strategic plan. Working with Category and Contract managers, assessing team workload, prioritising and allocating projects; and reviewing progress against agreed deadlines

•    Lead a team of specialists, providing reliable data and MI driving business decisions and ensuring systems operate reliably and efficiently.

•    Be the strategic lead on commercial contract management practice, ensuring there is an appropriate framework in place, monitoring and evaluating supplier performance, driving innovation and added value through supplier management

•    Deputise for the Head of Procurement

What you’ll bring

•    Experience of delivering procurements for complex and routine requirements in a regulated / complex environment, ideally with public sector procurement experience

•    Demonstrable leadership experience and capability, with the ability to work dynamically with the changing nature of university business

•    A high level of commercial acumen 

•    The ability to build strong, productive relationships across our academic and research staff, professional services and key external suppliers / partners

What we can offer

Excellent benefits offered include:

•    44 days leave per year (including 6 University Closure days and 8 days public holidays)

•    A 35 hour working week

•    Excellent pension scheme (University Superannuation Scheme)

•    Hybrid working (based 1-2 days at our lively Highfield campus)

•    Employee Assistance Programme

•    Staff discounts

•    Discounted access to our sports complex

•    Supported departmental development opportunities

•    Assistance with relocation if applicable

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse culture at the University and creating an environment where people can balance successful careers with their commitments and interests outside of work. Our flexible working practices, including a hybrid working model, where employees can split their working time between the office and home, support our belief that this balance brings long-lasting benefits for our institution as well as our people.

We believe equality and diversity are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a vibrant, proud and successful organisation. A diverse workforce, with people from different racial, educational and social backgrounds and a range of ages, opens up a wealth of possibilities for Southampton.

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

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