Procurement Manager

When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.

Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model.

About the role

In your role as Procurement Manager you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset.

This role will provide a great opportunity to manage one or more RFPs for a complex Data Strategy & Architecture programme to ensure USS runs a fair and open process that leads to successful contract awards.

The best outcome for USS will be for the selected providers to be able to demonstrate value for money, service improvements both now and in the future and a strong contractual position to be successfully negotiated with contracted service levels and KPIs.

What you will be doing

This role will report to the Head of Procurement and be placed as a workstream lead within the Data Strategy & Architecture programme overseen by the programme manager. The key responsibilities are listed below:

• Manage end-to-end RFP processes on behalf of both Procurement and the programme, reporting progress to the programme manager as part of the project team.
• Ensure that RFP processes are run in an equitable and consistent manner for all participants by advising USS stakeholders on best practice at all stages.
• Lead on all communication with prospective suppliers at all stages of the RFP process and be the key point of contact between the programme team and relevant third parties.
• Create RFP documents, templates and schedules.
• Work with the SMEs from key business areas to gather specification requirements, documenting them appropriately and creating a template to capture supplier responses.
• Work alongside the relevant teams and with suppliers (where necessary) to create the commercial model options for the RFP.
• Work with other partners and/or 3rd party consultants on the RFP to ensure a seamless and aligned approach.
• Develop, communicate and implement a suitable scoring mechanism by which to evaluate the RFP submissions.
• Work with the Finance Business Partner to input into the business case as required.
• Provide input for relevant committee papers.
• Input into the contract negotiations with the USS Legal team as required.

About you

We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box; if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.

To be successful in the role you will have:

• Experienced IT buyer, ideally with experience in running complex IT data projects.
• Demonstrable experience in a senior procurement role.
• Lead by example, is resilient and able to deal with complex challenges.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to constructively challenge stakeholders and understand and clarify commercial implications of supplier relationships.
• Strong procurement understanding with the ability to work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent commercial acumen and ability to consistently secure the most advantageous outcomes for USS.
• High level of pragmatism and creativity when problem solving.
• A strong communicator, both orally and in writing.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to support procurement decisions.
• MCIPS or similar qualification preferred.

At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team.

Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits!

How we will reward you

• Generous annual leave package.
• Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme.
• Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay).
• Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing.
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership.
• Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent.
• Employee Volunteer Days to support the communities where you work and live.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.

Our culture and values

Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ‘front and centre’ of what we do. This is embedded through our values:

• Integrity.

About us

Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and higher education institutions in the UK.

We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for more than 528,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £75.5bn (at 31 March 2023). To find out more, please visit https://www.uss.co.uk.

USSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent.

We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know by contacting resourcing@uss.co.uk.