Director of Procurement

Based at our Headington campus in Oxford and reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Procurement will be responsible for leading a team of 9 Procurement professionals to deliver all Procurement activities across the University as well as acting as a visible, impactful, approachable and trusted senior member of University staff. Oxford Brookes is currently embarking on a change programme to structurally transform the way in which procurement, contract management and supplier performance activity is undertaken at the University. As Procurement Director within the Directorate of Finance and Legal Services, you will be responsible for delivering substantial cashable savings over the next three years and for achieving structural transformation in procurement, contract management and supplier performance across the University. This role will set the vision, and lead the team to deliver service improvements, cashable savings and manage supply chain risk, in accordance with all relevant legislation. This includes setting high and stretching customer service standards to improve stakeholder experience. About the team Our Procurement team is made up of 9 professionals who support the University in procuring products and services in a range of categories. The team is based on the Headington campus in Oxford and staff are expected to be on campus 1-2 days per week. What will I be doing? As Director of Procurement you will:

• Deliver the Board of Governors' approved University-wide cashable savings target of 10% (and £5.7m) from influenceable spend, by the end of year 3 (31st July 2027).
• Lead, support and take direction from the 'Cost-Control Group', chaired by the CFO, in setting and implementing strategy on the University's influenceable spend.
• Lead the structural transformation of procurement and implement a review of the organisational model for undertaking procurement, contract management and supplier performance development activity.
• Be responsible for 'professionalising' end-to-end procurement cycle-activity, with a focus on contract management and supplier performance activity, through providing leadership and direction to all University-wide staff, to structurally transform contract management and supplier performance activity in particular.
• Work with colleagues, to lead and develop a quicker, more effective, and user-friendly end-to-end 'procure to pay' / 'procurement-cycle' service.
• Lead the implementation of the Finance and Legal Services Directorate customer-service improvements, adopting and embedding the workflow system for early team engagement.
• Build a procurement team that is equipped with the necessary leadership, management and customer service skills, as well as technical procurement and contract management skills, that are required to achieve the structural transformation of the University cost base.
• Be responsible for the implementation of a step-change improvement in the expectation of quality from the University supply-base with a higher quality-bar set for the 3700 suppliers to meet, including development and implementation of Service Level Agreements and thereafter KPIs in the University supply-chain.
• Lead, review and ensure value for money is achieved in the framework providers that Brookes uses.
• Lead the implementation of social policy expectations from supply-chain, including ESG aims and objectives, Net-zero, Social Value, sustainable procurement aims and anti-slavery and human trafficking aims., Based at our Headington campus, you'll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit among our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport. This role will be hybrid and we expect there will be a 50/50 split between home and office working.
  
  Significant senior leadership experience in a similar complex public-facing organisation, demonstrating capacity and capability as a member of a senior management or senior leadership team.
• A track record of leading, developing and motivating procurement functions/departments to achieve operational and financial impact and to effectively manage supply chain risk.
• Qualified Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) or working towards the qualification.
• Exemplary communication, trust-building, influencing and customer service skills to build, maintain and improve upon working relationships.
• An expert in all stages of the procurement cycle including procurement, contract management and supplier performance development.
• Commercially astute, risk-management focused with a consultative and collaborative approach to deliver the procurement service and achieve results.
  
  Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, 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.

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 30 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx. 5 per year). We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly. We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline. We prioritise the well-being of our employees-both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team In addition, all employees have access to:
• Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
• Brookes on-site Nursery
• Discounted travel options
• TOTUM card discount scheme
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
• Training and development opportunities
• Connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.