Procurement Manager

Procurement Manager

Location: Brighton

Salary: £39,000 - £50,440

Our client are more than just an educational institution; they're a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing creativity and empowering students to reach their full potential. With campuses across the UK, Ireland, and Germany, they offer a diverse range of courses in modern music, performing arts, filmmaking and creative technology. Their commitment to excellence in creative arts education sets them apart, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

About the Role

As Procurement Manager you will lead the development and delivery of the University s procurement function. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you will shape a strategic and efficient approach to procurement, ensuring strong value for money, robust supplier relationships and high-quality services that support the needs of students and staff.

This role will be responsible for improving and standardising procurement processes, developing a central approach to purchasing, and ensuring our client's policies reflect best practice and support the University s wider objectives, including ESG priorities.

What You ll Do:

• Develop and implement a procurement strategy and plan covering all areas of the University.
• Manage the full procurement lifecycle using a range of sourcing routes to meet operational requirements.
• Centralise purchasing across the Group for key and material contracts.
• Streamline and standardise the supplier base and maintain a comprehensive third-party contract database.
• Support the delivery of ESG initiatives through informed procurement choices.
• Monitor procurement best practice and sourcing trends to help refine strategy.
• Manage and improve sourcing and contracting processes, working with external partners as needed.
• Design and deliver training and guidance for colleagues involved in procurement activities.

What You ll Bring:

• Experience delivering the full end-to-end procurement process.
• Ability to work effectively within a small procurement team.
• Proven negotiation skills and experience handling complex supplier discussions.
• Knowledge and practical experience of multiple sourcing approaches.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships at all levels.
• Confidence analysing data and producing clear reporting to support decision-making.
• A results-focused approach and strong organisational skills.
• Understanding of current developments and challenges within procurement.

Why Our Client?

They are a values led organisation, meaning their core values underpin all that they do:

Believe in Everyone, Challenge the Norm, Grow Together, Do The Right Thing, Own It.

In addition to joining a committed and dedicated team, you will have access to:

• 25 days holiday per year (FTE)
• SMART pension
• A comprehensive benefits package

They continually strive to create a culture of inclusivity so that they truly represent their diverse communities. They particularly welcome applications from people of colour who are underrepresented in their organisation.

They are committed to promoting the safety and welfare of students, therefore all successful applicants are required to complete a basic DBS disclosure. Depending on the role, you may be required to complete an enhanced check / enhanced check with barred list if required by statute and internal policy.