Procurement Buyer - Academic & Student Services, Digital & Technology And Professional & Business Services Internal

PLEASE NOTE:
This is an internal advert and is open to current Oxford Brookes University staff only.

If you wish to apply as a secondment please speak to your line manager.

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”

Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.

Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Senior Category Manager, the Procurement Buyer (Academic & Student Services, Digital & Technology and Professional & Business Services) will lead, undertake, and support end-to-end procurement and contract management activities. You will act as a primary contact for procurement queries, drive cashable savings, support supplier negotiations, and ensure full compliance and governance across key spend categories.

This is a full time 6-month fixed-term post and is available immediately.

You will join the Procurement team within Finance and Legal Services as Oxford Brookes transforms how it spends £50 million annually on goods, services, and construction. The team collaborates closely with internal academic and operational stakeholders, as well as external suppliers and framework providers. Our ambition is to modernize procurement, deliver operational excellence, drive financial savings, and elevate the overall student and staff experience.

• Leading and supporting quotes, tenders, and call-offs from Framework Agreements, including running e-tendering processes.
• Acting as the main point of contact for internal and external procurement queries, triaging requests, and building strong stakeholder relationships.
• Monitoring supplier performance and SLA/KPI compliance, organizing contract reviews via Service Now for Gold, Silver, and Bronze contracts.
• Conducting spend analysis and producing regular reporting, including weekly high-value spend and monthly purchasing card reports.
• Supporting price and service negotiations alongside Category Managers to hit organisational annual savings targets.
• Guiding internal University colleagues through tender evaluation and moderation processes.
• Facilitating the roll-out of procurement training and self-service resources to contract owners across the University.
• Deputising for Category Managers when required and representing the department at relevant professional events.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills in a professional environment.
• Strong operational, organisational, and problem-solving abilities with high attention to detail.
• Strong numeracy skills with the ability to analyse, manipulate, and present spend data logically.
• Self-motivated and adaptable approach, with proven ability to prioritise workloads and meet savings and compliance targets.
• Prior…