Senior Procurement Category Manager

About This RoleThe Procurement Services Team is part of the Finance, Estates and Commercial Services Professional Service. Contributing to the University 2030 People, Purpose, Place strategy, we have recently changed our approach to Procurement and now focus on Category Management to align our service provision to the university strategy. We are looking to appoint a new team member to support two key pillars of activity, covering Estates/Commercial Services and Business Services/ IT. This role will align with one of the two pillars and work to achieve objectives in support of Strategy 2030. The role will also take responsibility for either the Purpose or Place strategy element of our strategic Procurement plan. This is an exciting opportunity to bring knowledge and experience to help transform procurement while developing and reviewing category plans.

For this vacancy, experience in IT/software procurement would be advantageous.

The procurement team is responsible for circa £100 - £120 million non-pay (excl. capital) expenditure across the University. This post will contribute to making the procurement team an integral strategic function across the University, delivering Value for Money outcomes for both capital and revenue expenditure, and championing sustainability and equality initiatives. Our Procurement vision and strategy align with the university values and show how we want to contribute to UWE life.

About YouWe are seeking a self-motivated and highly organised individual to carry out category management and procurement activities. You will liaise with stakeholders to understand their needs, secure buy-in, identify routes to market, source suppliers, manage tenders, monitor performance and ensure legal compliance – all are part of this varied and vital role.

You will be responsible for a wide range of procurement and category management activities, including category management, developing tender plans, and management of the end-to-end tender process including contract and supplier relationship management. The role requires a broad understanding of public sector sourcing arrangements; experience of the public procurement rules would be an advantage.

You will be educated to degree level or equivalent and ideally be a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. You should be experienced in complex procurement, working with multiple stakeholders in detailed organisational structures, and be decisive, focused on priorities, goal driven and able to effectively manage competing demands for your time.

Where is this role based?This post is based on site at our lively Frenchay campus where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both staff and students access to everything they need to succeed.

Why UWE Bristol?We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from across the globe. Based in Bristol, one of the UK’s most exciting and forward-thinking cities, we are regionally embedded and globally connected, with an established network of employer and academic partners.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, generous annual leave and career average pension schemes, as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.

Add your individuality to oursUWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community. We are proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, and we’re always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing community and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you’ll thrive.

We particularly encourage applications from global majority candidates as we are currently under-represented in this area of the organisation; however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit. As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.

Further informationIf you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role please contact Helen Baker, Procurement Director on 0117 328 2239 or email: helen.baker@uwe.ac.uk

This is a full time, permanent post, working 37 hours per week. Interviews for this role will take place on 21st October 2025 at our Frenchay Campus.

UWE Bristol is a campus-based University, and it is vital to our success and the delivery of an outstanding experience for our students that our campuses are dynamic and vibrant places to learn and spend time. This role is therefore campus based for at least 3/4 days per week with the opportunity to work from home on the remaining days (subject to workloads).

Right to Work in the UKThe University has a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK; please refer to the Home Office Right to Work Checklist for information on which documents are acceptable. We may be able to sponsor qualifying candidates for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. Please read our Skilled Worker Guidance to assess if you will be eligible. Please note that UWE Bristol does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.

Advice to applicantsWe’d love to hear from you — if you are excited about this opportunity, please complete our application form as soon as possible. Tell us how your skills and experience relate to the requirements of this role by describing how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the Person Specification section of the Job Description and include specific examples wherever possible. Once we have completed shortlisting, we will let you know the outcome of your application by email, so please check your inbox for ..... full job details .....