Associate Procurement Manager

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

About EIT:

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford’s purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.

EIT Oxford will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT Oxford seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: health and medical science; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate change and clean energy; and government innovation in an era of artificial intelligence.

EIT Oxford is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT Oxford experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.

EIT Oxford is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.

Overview:

We are looking to recruit a highly skilled and experienced Associate Procurement Manager to support procurement activities within the organisation. The successful candidate will assist in managing procurement processes and systems, conducting data analysis and ensuring the organisation achieves value for money. Key responsibilities include supporting supplier due diligence and onboarding, monitoring procurement systems, and assisting with the sourcing of goods and services. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement Process Development:

1. Support the development and implementation of procurement processes that align with EIT Oxford’s objectives, ensuring on-time and cost-effective sourcing of goods and services across all areas, from operational needs to consultancy services.
2. Support the development and embedding of procurement policies and procedures that ensure consistency, transparency, minimise risk and are in compliance with internal controls and external regulations.
3. Engage with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs and support the development of a robust process that meets their expectations.
4. Monitor market trends, industry benchmarks and conduct targeted market research to support sourcing initiatives when required.

Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management:

1. Perform supplier due diligence including risk evaluations and background checks prior to contractual engagement and onboarding. In addition, scheduling and performing annual due diligence in accordance with the key contractual dates.
2. Build and manage strong relationships with key suppliers and contractors, ensuring they deliver high-quality goods and services on time and within the allocated budget.
3. Facilitate the creation of supplier review packs to support supplier evaluations and performance assessments to ensure they meet EIT Oxford’s standards for quality, cost, and delivery.
4. Conduct prequalifying questionnaires as needed and identify suppliers to participate in sourcing processes.
5. Maintain strong communication skills to liaise between EIT internal stakeholders and vendors/potential vendors.
6. Perform periodic contract reviews and work with internal stakeholders to ensure timely contract renewal, updates to commercial terms and terminations where required.

Procurement Systems & Reporting:

1. Support the implementation of procurement systems and tools that streamline the sourcing, ordering, and payment processes, improving efficiency and reducing administrative burdens.
2. Manage workflows for requisitioning goods and services, ensuring proper approvals and adherence to procurement policies.
3. Track and report on procurement performance, including spend analysis, cost savings, and supplier performance metrics.
4. Work closely with key stakeholders in Finance to mitigate and resolve invoice queries and to ensure prompt supplier payment in line with contractual payment terms.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Degree in business, supply chain management, procurement, or a related field or proven experience gained within a procurement role.
2. CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) qualification or equivalent is highly desirable.
3. Demonstrable indirect procurement experience in a similar role.
4. Proficiency in procurement software and systems, ideally Oracle Fusion, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new tools.
5. Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships.
6. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to conduct spend analysis, assess supplier performance, and identify opportunities for cost savings.
7. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and work effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Terms of Appointment:

1. You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
2. You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
3. During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

We offer the following salary and benefits:

1. Salary: £45K - £60K + travel allowance & bonus
2. Enhanced holiday pay
3. Pension
4. Life Assurance
5. Income Protection
6. Private Medical Insurance
7. Hospital Cash Plan
8. Therapy Services
9. Perk Box

Note: We are not looking for agency support for this role.