Procurement Category Manager – Academic & Professional Services

About the role

Procurement Category Manager – Academic & Professional Services

Join Bournemouth University at an exciting point in its journey as we deliver BU2035 – To Learn is to Change
.

We are seeking an experienced Procurement Category Manager to lead strategic procurement across Academic and Professional Services categories. You will act as a trusted business partner to senior stakeholders, delivering innovative category strategies, compliant procurements, value for money, supplier performance and sustainable outcomes.

This is an opportunity to influence major investment decisions, support transformation, research, student experience and operational excellence across a forward-thinking university.

• Full MCIPS (or equivalent experience)
• Strong public procurement expertise
• Experience leading complex tenders and category strategies
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Commercially astute and data-driven
• Ideally Higher Education or public sector experience

• Lead end-to-end complex procurement exercises
• Build category plans aligned to BU2035
• Partner with senior leaders
• Deliver savings and measurable value
• Improve supplier performance and contract outcomes
• Ensure compliance with Procurement Act 2023 and relevant regulations

We support flexible working, with a hybrid approach of approximately 2–3 days per week on campus.

Be part of a team where procurement makes a visible strategic difference.

Our Procurement and Contract Management team has transformed significantly over the past few years and continues to evolve as we support delivery of BU2035. We are a collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking team who partner with colleagues across the University to deliver value, innovation and excellent service. Continuous improvement is a key part of our culture, and we work together to improve processes, increase efficiency and create a positive experience for stakeholders and suppliers alike.

Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community.

BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society. To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Working for BU provides you with access to a fantastic range of benefits.

• PAY – a competitive salary with opportunities for pay progression
• PENSION – a valuable defined benefit pension with generous employer contributions
• HOLIDAY – Annual leave entitlement of 30 days plus bank holidays and winter closure (pro rata if part time)
• WORK LIFE BALANCE – flexible working arrangements including opportunities for hybrid working and flexitime (role dependant)

• Health & Wellbeing: Employee assistance programme, dental care scheme, health cash plan
• Financial & Discounts: Discounts including a reduction of fees for family members who study at BU
• Travel: Cycle to work scheme, secure bike stores, showers and lockers, free bus travel between campuses, discounted bus travel
• Sports &
  
  Activities:
  
  Sport BU has a wide range of activities which staff can access
• Family: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, on-site nursery with discounts for BU staff
• Modern, vibrant campus locations: Bright and flexible work and meeting spaces, with on-site food outlets and coffee shops