Procurement Officer

The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) is a world-class leading research institute and is a part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). CEH works with businesses, policy-makers and environmental practitioners across the globe to develop innovative products and services from cutting edge science. We nurture robust multidisciplinary, national and international research collaborations as well as engaging society with our research.

CEH’s mission is to undertake world-class research of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems that underpins evidence-based decisions and innovation by policy-makers and business, and engages with people, supporting sustainable development and improving society’s environmental legacy.

There is the plan for CEH to move outside the public sector to become a not for profit research organisation with charitable status. We will continue to be funded as now by a mixture of NERC and competitively won income.

As part of the transition CEH is also moving away from a shared procurement service to develop its own internal procurement department. This role therefore provides an exciting opportunity to be involved in the set-up of a new procurement team which will help to define and lead on shaping commercial procurement policy and practices as we enter an exciting new era.

Description of work area

As Procurement Officer you will work with the Procurement Manager and Science Category Manager to enable effective procurement which meets CEH needs and policy requirements. You will offer procurement guidance to end-users based in all four of our sites across the UK providing knowledgeable support in setting up new contracts and developing purchasing strategies across a wide variety of categories to ensure that the operational needs and strategic goals of CEH are maintained. You will develop into taking the lead in specific procurement requirements as you establish your understanding of CEH needs.

Description of specific work to be undertaken and skills to be gained

You will have proven understanding of supply chain issues and proven ability in purchasing across a variety of operational and capital categories including the end-to-end procure-to-pay (P2P) cycle. You will also have shown development of successful soft skills, particularly in stakeholder engagement. The Procurement Officer is expected to develop a strong knowledge of CEH’s procurement processes and policies in order to ensure compliance and develop reports as part of the central Procurement Function.

The Procurement Officer will become a trusted and knowledgeable advisor for a variety of end-users and will also play a proactive role in finding solutions to common issues as well as verbalising opportunities for efficiency and cost savings.

Skills and qualifications required on appointment

• Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) qualified or willing to work towards it
• Purchasing and systems tools experience
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assimilate information
• Strong skills in supplier and customer relationship management
• Driving licence (travel and overnight stays are required)
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Self-motivated and results driven with the ability to manage a portfolio of workloads and meet deadlines
• Able to work effectively on own or as part of a team
• Able to demonstrate a commitment to promote and adhere to CEH values of Excellence, Integrity and Team work.

CEH will offer training and development where appropriate in order to enhance the applicant’s skills and expertise as relevant to the position.