Senior Procurement and Contracts Manager

Senior Procurement and Contracts Manager

£46,676 to £54,912 per annum (Discretionary range to £63,149)

Harwell, Oxfordshire – primarily based onsite / some home working may be available

Full time

Reference: 11430

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Senior Procurement and Contracts Manager to join our small Procurement team. this role will report to the Head of Procurement. The role holder will work closely with our Technical and Scientific teams to ensure that the most appropriate Procurement tendering routes are selected which then translate into successful projects for Diamond. This role may involve international travel to visit suppliers in Europe and further afield while monitoring supplier performance. 

Further accountabilities include:

• Managing high value / complex procurements from tender through to contract completion.
• Managing supplier relationships to ensure their performance is in line with expectations and resolve disputes to ensure a satisfactory outcome is achieved, while working closely with Diamond staff
• Reporting to Senior Management on supplier progress providing strategies to deal with any issues.
• Preparing and issuing of invitations to tender (EU and UK), evaluating bids, analysing, negotiating, placing contracts and de-briefing suppliers in line with European Legislation and company requirements
• Managing and developing supplier relationships to ensure the supply chain works to meet Diamond’s objectives
• Providing professional advice to Diamond staff to ensure purchase orders, contracts and agreements are commercially viable and legally compliant.

Diamond is planning a major upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond-II, so this role will play a significant part in contributing to the upgrade.   

About You

The successful candidate will be working towards membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (or similar professional qualification) or equivalent extensive experience. 

As well as having: 

• An established track record managing high value / complex procurements from tender through to contract completion in a technically challenging environment.
• Experience of Procurement in a technically challenging environment
• Knowledge of different procurement routes and experience of selecting the most advantageous
• The ability to analyse and feedback of supplier performance to inform future Procurement decisions
• The ability to provide professional Procurement advice to Diamond staff 

We welcome applications from candidates who have either a Commercial or Public Sector background, but knowledge of the UK Public Procurement regulations, or the willingness to undertake training, would be an advantage.

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.

The closing date for applications is 8^th September 2024, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date