Head of Procurement

Department: Finance
Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Grade 9- £57,258 - £65,728 (Inclusive of London Weighting)
Location: Bloomsbury, London
Hours: 35

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Department:
SOAS’s Procurement team is a professionally qualified and experienced team that work to ensure the University obtains value for money in all the goods and services it purchases, in line with the University’s Financial Regulations.

The Procurement team works with colleagues and suppliers alike to drive value and reduce risk across supply chains that serve the University.

The Procurement team provides a category management approach to the University’s procurement cycle. This includes:

Providing University staff with advice and guidance prior to making purchases or obtaining quotes
Issuing and managing tenders for the supply of goods or services
Consideration of sustainable and ethical issues in the provision of goods and services
Awarding contracts to suppliers using those terms and conditions
Managing supplier contracts to deliver the contractual commitments, as well as innovation, value and good sustainable practices
Promoting and monitoring supplier usage and making sure staff have the knowledge they need to make the best use of the Universty's suppliers
Staying up-to-date with market knowledge
Collaboration with external partners and institutions
We are active members of (amongst others) the LUPC

The Procurement team is responsible for the University’s Procurement Policy and Procedures which ensures the University is fair, open, transparent and prevents discriminatory treatment towards all suppliers, no matter whether local or global, SME or multi-national.

About the Role

The successful candidate will support, encourage, and nurture excellent procurement and contract management practices across their immediate team and the wider stakeholder group. Applying your procurement knowledge combined with an understanding of the University’s needs and priorities, you will be able to advise, train and coach the team and others to ensure and inspire a high level of performance and high standards in contract management approaches.

Your responsibilities:
You will plan and design a strategic approach to operational delivery University-wide, improving levels of service to ensure optimal and consistent delivery.
You will deliver value for money through procurement activity, ensuring quality and timely delivery, risk management strategies accompanied by appropriate contracts.
You will keep up-to-date and will advise budget holders and other colleagues on statutory and regulatory procurement requirements.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

How to Apply: Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement

Closing date: 13th March 2023

Interviews to be held: TBC

Further information

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact hr-recruitment@soas.ac.uk

'Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006'. ‘Successful candidates must be based in the UK for the duration of their contract.’musbe based in the UK – for the duration of their contract

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, the Global South, Black, Asian or other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.