Procurement Consultant – Strategic Procurement Team(UK Visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

About the Role

The higher education sector is currently facing significant financial challenges. At the University of Sussex, we view this as a strategic opportunity for procurement to lead with meaningful impact. We are seeking a committed Procurement Consultant to join our dynamic and forward-thinking Strategic Procurement team.

This role will primarily focus on supporting our newly established SEM, Estates, and Facilities category. You will play a key role in delivering our long-term Estates Capital Programme, including planned maintenance and a wide range of projects varying in size and complexity. Your work will be vital in driving value, ensuring compliance, and promoting sustainability across all procurement activities.

The role aligns with the Managerial level of the CIPS Global Standards, and candidates should possess relevant qualifications or equivalent professional experience.

Key Responsibilities

Lead sourcing activities, contract management, and supplier engagement.

Drive cost-effectiveness and enhance supplier performance.

Develop category strategies and maintain a commercial pipeline.

Promote sustainability and ensure compliance within procurement processes.

Represent Procurement in strategic initiatives and mentor colleagues.

Join us to make a significant contribution at a pivotal time for higher education procurement.

About You

You are an experienced procurement professional with a proven track record of delivering value, ideally within complex or regulated sectors such as higher education or the public sector.

You understand the financial pressures faced by universities and are motivated to enable smarter, more sustainable procurement decisions.

You have experience managing tenders, supplier relationships, and working within frameworks such as the Public Contracts Regulations.

You are confident engaging with diverse stakeholders and supporting procurement decisions aligned with institutional priorities.

Experience in SEM, Estates, or Facilities procurement is advantageous but not essential. More important is your collaborative approach, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

This role offers a great opportunity to grow your career within a supportive, forward-looking team dedicated to delivering value for money while advancing sustainability and social responsibility goals.

About Our Division

The Finance Division, led by the Chief Finance Officer reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, employs around 80 staff who provide high-quality financial and commercial services. Our team supports the operational needs of the University’s schools and services, and the development and delivery of strategic objectives.

We collaborate closely with academic and professional colleagues as well as students, striving to understand their needs and priorities. Our focus includes maintaining efficient systems and processes, identifying commercial and strategic opportunities, managing financial risks, and negotiating favorable commercial terms. We also promote financial capability and confidence across the University to ensure optimal resource use for our students and research partners.

For more information, visit Finance: University of Sussex

Why Work Here?

Our beautiful 150-acre campus lies next to the South Downs, easily accessible by public transport with Falmer train station a short walk away and multiple bus stops on campus. We support sustainable travel with dedicated cycling paths and a cycle-to-work scheme.

Sussex is a respected, multi-accredited, research-led international university. Our success is driven by our people — faculty, professional services, and students — and we want you to be part of our community.

Discover more about our reward and benefits package
and our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
.

Additional Information

The University of Sussex values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken is performed within the UK.

This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. For more information, please visit our Skilled Worker Visa information page
.