Procurement Buyer

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.

The role

The Procurement Buyer role is a fantastic opportunity for those who are in the early part of their procurement career, or who wish to transition into the procurement sector. The role involves engaging with stakeholders, suppliers, supporting procurement activities, contract negotiations and conducting market research and developing procurement expertise.

The role will support and enable procurement colleagues across the category management structure, that will include procurements in the Digital and Technology category, Academic and Student Services category and the Professional and Business Services spend category.

Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Senior Category Manager the Procurement Buyer will contribute to continuous improvement in governance, practice and process across the University and deliver operational excellence and innovation in end-to-end procurement and contract management.

Please see the accompanying Campaign Document, detailed Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

About the team

The Strategic Procurement Team at Oxford Brookes is evolving and redefining the way we deliver services.

Our small procurement team is growing, and moving to a category management approach and structure that aligns with the University’s strategic vision and objectives. We are developing a strategic, coordinated procurement approach that improves commerciality, risk management, and service quality across the University, from the c.£50 million that the University spends annually on goods, services, and works, purchased from a multitude of suppliers.

What will I be doing?

As Procurement Buyer you will

• Lead, undertake, manage and support procurement and contract management activities across the University.
• Provide exceptional customer service for internal and external stakeholders and suppliers acting as the first port of call for procurement-related queries, triaging them appropriately, and ensuring timely and effective resolutions whilst building strong working relationships.
• To manage procurement operational processes to ensure the successful coordination of legislative requirements, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies and regulations.
• Undertake procurement activities to facilitate quotes, tenders, and call-offs from Framework Agreements, or by preparing tender documentation on e-tendering solutions and go out to the market to ensure value for money and compliance in each tender and contract.
• Organise contract management meetings and contribute to supplier relationship management and supplier performance improvement activities.
• Assist, guide and facilitate University colleagues in the evaluation/moderation of tender responses where required.
• Work with the Category Manager(s), Senior Category Manager(s) and Strategic Category Lead(s) to ensure the University meets its designated annual savings targets, including supporting service and price negotiations with suppliers.

What skills do I need?

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong numeracy skills with the ability to perform basic analysis and interpret data effectively.
• Excellent collaborative working skills to foster positive stakeholder relationships and offer excellent customer service.
• Proactive, adaptable and can manage multiple priorities
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Strong operational and organisational skills.
• Proficiency with standard office software and computer literate.

About the location

Based at our 

, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is within one mile of the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport. This role will be hybrid and we expect attendance on campus for at least 1-2 days per week, which may increase during 2026 and 2027 as our hybrid working policies evolve over time.

Benefits

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 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 

 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.

This role will not attract sufficient points to obtain a sponsored Skilled Worker visa under the points-based immigration system, and will be dependent on the candidate meeting criteria to rely on tradeable points.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.