Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
Job Purpose
At the University of Glasgow, we are driving massive transformation and investment. The Central Procurement team has an interesting opportunity for a forward-thinking, commercially focused Category Manager with experience in best-in-class procurement processes and procedures supported by an ERP.
This function will be fully integrated into our ERP replacement project and will help design the future of our procurement procedures and how they are integrated into the ERP, with the expectation that the role will transition to a BAU category manager role after the project is complete.
Every year, the University buys approximately £400 million in goods and services from external sources. Procurement’s job is to provide professional, qualified procurement skills and services for all expenditure with external suppliers in accordance with legislation, EU rules, Public Contracts [Scotland] rules 2015, Procurement Reform Act 2014, and Procurement [Scotland] Regulations 2016.
Main duties and responsibilities
1. Oversee the design and development of institutional procurement needs for delivery through our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project.
2. In conversation and coordination with the Director and Deputy Director of Procurement, establish strategic and long-term value propositions for procurement modules and toolkits within the university’s ERP system. Having both breadth and depth of IT Category Management knowledge.
3. Positive involvement and collaboration among the EPR Project team and other institutional stakeholders.
4. Conduct an evaluation of the offline procurement reporting requirements and make recommendations for integration with the new ERP solution.
5. Assisting in the development of key performance measurement targets for the successful implementation and continuing measurement and management of the new ERP solution.
6. Effective engagement with Procurement Centres of Expertise for Higher Education [APUC Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges] and Central Government [Scottish Procurement] where needed. Participate in the User Intelligence Group, which develops strategy and parameters for the HE and FE sectors. Provide data to the central government on Best Practice Indicators, Value Measurement, Procurement, and the Commercial Improvement Programme (PCIP) via APUC. Integrate HE national and regional agreements for use by university purchasers. Support key budget holders in their areas of responsibility by ensuring that contractual agreements are in place to support all spending.
7. Proactively accept responsibility for identifying new procurement opportunities inside the University through financial analysis, analysing and assessing client needs, and moving such prospects forward using professional procurement processes. Create category strategy reports for your area of responsibility. Effectively engage with all University key stakeholders, coordinate and manage all tenders in accordance with the Procurement Policy.
8. To provide professional, qualified procurement expertise, advice, and services for all spend with external suppliers within the scope of responsibility, in accordance with the Public Contract [Scotland] 2015 Regulations, the Procurement Reform Act 2014, the Procurement [Scotland] Regulation 2016, and any other EU Directives. All tenders should be sent through the Scottish Government’s Public Contracts Scotland or Public Contracts Scotland – Tender, as appropriate. Provide professional procurement guidance and recommendations throughout the tendering process, and ensure that it is completed on time.
9. Create and prepare all contractual documents for signature, ensuring the proper implementation of new agreements across the University and providing stakeholders with necessary training as needed. Develop and implement an effective performance management strategy, such as Contract and Supplier Relationship Management (C& SRM), to reduce risk to the University. Create a supplier leader board for suppliers who have been identified as participating in the C&SRM initiative, with quarterly results reported.
10. Implement sustainable policies and procedures to identify high-risk categories using the sustainability risk prioritisation method [Marrakech]. The high-risk groups are then examined using the DEFRA analytical tool. Suppliers recognised within these categories are then measured and tracked using the CIPS Sustainability Index. Sustainability is a component of the University’s Procurement Policy and is integrated into all procurement and supply chain operations, including tendering and contracting procedures.
11. Investigate buyer requirements across campus so that central contracts can be placed to address general needs. Analyse spending on the Agresso finance system to ensure compliance with procurement rules. Develop, generate, and disseminate spending reports to key stakeholders in your area of responsibility. Identify remedial action strategies as needed.
12. Monitor guidance on tender and contract terms and conditions, and incorporate legal changes into all tendering material, to ensure that the University meets its legal duties. Provide mandatory reports, such as FOI, audit, or ad hoc policy reports. Positive contribution to the formulation, development, and monitoring of procurement key performance indicators (KPIs).
13. Investigate the utilisation of electronic tendering and trade, as well as effective online training for university purchasers, where needed. Effective use of Quick Quote through Public Contract Scotland and Public Contract Scotland-Tender [PCST] when needed. To accept responsibility for preparing benchmarking data and other statistical results as needed.
14. To cover for and/or support other members of the Procurement team, as well as deputise for the Director or Deputy Director of Procurement as needed.
15. To contribute to the University’s international profile development in accordance with the University’s 2020-2025 Strategy: World Changers Together.
16. Make a positive contribution to the University’s maintenance or enhancement of the CIPS Procurement Excellence Award.
Knowledge, qualifications, skills, and experience.
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Demonstrates the abilities required to perform the duties of this level of job, having gained the relevant professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or number of related specialty roles. Or Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework levels 9, 10, or 11 [Ordinary Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification], or equivalent, with professional qualifications in related disciplines and extensive management experience.
A2 Strong understanding of procurement laws in Higher Education or a similar complicated sector.
A3 Detailed understanding of EC Directives and other statutory obligations imposed on public sector bodies.
Desirable:
B1 Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply [MCIPS] qualified or working towards certification.
B2 Extensive knowledge of public sector procurement rules.
B3 Knowledge of the Freedom of Information [Scotland] Act.
Skills
Essential:
C1 Must have broad and deep experience implementing procurement in ERP projects.
C2 Proficiency in Microsoft applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and accounting software packages.
C3 Effective communication and persuading skills.
C4 Capability to prioritise and manage workload to achieve strict deadlines.
C5 Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
C6 Demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines and manage projects effectively.
C7 Leadership and motivating skills in formal and informal settings.
C8 Ability to evaluate complex tender submissions, present them, and contribute to the award recommendation.
C9 Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Extensive broad professional management experience in a similar or related role working in a public sector [or equivalent] in a buying capacity at a senior procurement specialist level with qualifications above, or substantial vocational and relevant management experience demonstrating management ability and knowledge working in a public sector [or equivalent] in a buying capacity at a senior procurement specialist.
E2 Demonstrates significant practical experience with computerised finance and other business systems.
Terms & Conditions.
The annual salary for Grade 8 will range between £48,350 and £56,021.
This position is full-time (35 hours per week) and open-ended. Relocation aid will be provided where appropriate.
The University of Glasgow is responsible for ensuring that all personnel are eligible to reside and work in the UK. If you need a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you must first complete the visa route’s eligibility conditions before being awarded a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please keep in mind that if tradeable points are allowed under the Skilled Worker visa criteria, this post may be eligible for sponsorship.For further information, visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
As a member of Team UofG, you will be part of a globally changing, inclusive community that values ambition, excellence, integrity, and curiosity.
As a respected part of our team, you should expect:
1 A friendly and engaging organisational culture in which your skills are fostered and cultivated, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An good employment package with generous terms and conditions, including 41 days of leave for full-time employees, a pension (pension handbook: https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/), benefits, and discount packages.
3. A flexible approach to employment.
4 A commitment to your health and well-being, including a complimentary 6-month UofG Sport membership for all incoming University personnel (https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/).
We think that we can only attain our greatest potential by combining the talents of everyone. Our ideals prioritise equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from all members of our communities, particularly those from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, as well as those with other protected characteristics who are underrepresented at the University. Read more about how the University encourages and integrates all aspects of equality and diversity into our community at https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We support the concepts of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and have bronze, silver, and gold awards throughout the University.
We are investing in our company, and we will also invest in you. More information can be found on our website at https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs.