Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid
Flexible Working:
We are flexible with working hours starting from a minimum of 34 hours per week. Feel free to contact us to discuss what arrangement suits you best.
Work Location:
This role offers a hybrid working pattern, combining remote and office work. Although based at our Milton Keynes office, you will need to attend the office when required, typically once a month, with the option to be there weekly if you prefer.
Change Your Career, Change Lives:
The Open University stands as the UK’s largest institution for higher education and a global leader in flexible, part-time learning. Our mission is to provide wider access to higher education while upholding research excellence, effectively transforming lives through education. Learn more about us and our mission by watching this short video on YouTube.
The Procurement Services team is a well-regarded group offering expert procurement advice to the University, aiding in the purchase of essential goods and services. The team ensures procurement activities are cost-effective and comply with legal obligations through responsible processes.
What You Get in Return:
We are devoted to offering comprehensive training and development opportunities for your present role and future growth. This includes an extensive induction into the organization and periodic reviews to assess your training needs.
Our benefits package supports both our employees and their families in the long term. Benefits include an attractive pension scheme, 33 days of annual leave pro-rata, plus 8 bank holidays and 3 additional days for the Christmas closure.
The Role:
With internal career advancements and team expansion, we are hiring two (2) Category Managers for the Digital Services and STEM categories. The Category Manager is a crucial role providing professional procurement services, including stakeholder engagement, tendering, commercial negotiation, and supplier management, to ensure value for money while adhering to financial, environmental, health & safety, and ethical guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies, offering advice on procurement routes and evaluation, considering commercial and regulatory risks.
- Manage tendering activities in line with relevant policies and regulations.
- Draft appropriate tender documentation in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective project delivery.
- Conduct post-tender clarifications and negotiations with suppliers, seeking legal advice when necessary, to secure the best terms and conditions.
- Prepare reports, such as evaluation and management information reports, to support category planning and savings reporting.
- Review and process purchase requisitions, vendor requests, and contract requests in accordance with university policies.
- Coordinate with requisitioners, suppliers, and stakeholders, including legal and data protection teams, to guarantee proper contractual agreements.
- Resolve procurement queries and issues related to projects or requisitions as needed.
- Build and maintain networks and relationships with stakeholders across the University through effective communication.
- Undertake specific tasks and projects as assigned by the Head of Procurement, Deputy Head of Procurement, and Senior Category Manager.
Skills and Experience:
Essential:
- CIPS qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience or knowledge of public sector procurement, PCR 2015, and awareness of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) and/or procurement of IT-related goods and services.
- Strong communication and commercial negotiation skills for networking with all business levels.
- Experience collaborating with staff to develop sourcing strategies for key spend areas.
- Expertise in drafting tender documents under PCR 2015 procedures and public sector frameworks.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of data protection and GDPR legislation.
- Understanding of cyber security practices.
- Completion of PA23 Government Commercial College training.
- Knowledge of responsible procurement and sustainability practices.
- Understanding research grant funding and related procurements.
How to Apply:
Click ‘Apply’ above to be redirected to our application page.
Early Closing Date Notification:
We may close this job posting earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a sufficient number of applications. Early application is therefore encouraged.
The Open University values equality, diversity, and inclusion and seeks to create a supportive environment. We embrace different perspectives and ideas, recognizing the strength they bring. We are committed to recruiting and developing a diverse community of students and staff, particularly from underrepresented groups, and aim to make The Open University a supportive workplace for everyone through our policies and services.
Closing Date: 10 November 2024