Head of Procurement, University of West London

The University of West London (UWL) is ranked the best modern* university (non-specialist) in London in the Complete University Guide 2025. 

We are ranked 30th university in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2025, Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2024 and Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

The UWL community is a diverse body of students and staff who work together to create an environment of success and achievement. We celebrate the diversity of our staff and promote our values in practice through our commitment to inclusivity, progression, and success. 

*University status awarded in or after 1992

The Department 

The Finance Department supports the University’s strategy to enhance the student experience by delivering financial sustainability through financial leadership, strategic planning and informed procurement. We ensure the long-term financial sustainably of UWL, maximising efficiency and effectiveness of available resources. The University of West London has won the award for ‘Outstanding Financial Performance’ at ‘The Times Higher Education Awards’ 2019. 

The Role  

Strategic Procurement is part of the Finance Department. We are looking to recruit an experienced Head of Procurement to lead its core function to: 

Provide optimum Value for Money (VFM) for all aspects of University expenditure; Introduce and embed category management for all strategic non-pay expenditure; Improve best practice awareness and use throughout the University at all levels of expenditure; Encourage and promote co-operation and communication between devolved procurement expertise and Strategic Procurement; Improve, embed and monitor overall procurement performance; Promote collaboration by pursuing and developing co-operative relationships between the University and external procurement stakeholder bodies; Embed sound ethical, social and environmental policies within the procurement function to monitor and reduce any risk associated with external expenditure and the appointment of third party suppliers 

The Head of procurement role is expected to oversees all procurement activities within the organisation. The role holds the final approval before the procurement department proceeds to buy the essential goods and services for its daily operation. The position will have full responsibility for developing and implementing procurement policies and procedures across the organisation, influencing strategic decisions and taking overall responsibility for the procurement of high value and high risk goods and services. 

The Person 

We are seeking an experienced procurement leader who is MCIP and holds a honours degree or equivalent. Experience of working in higher education would be desirable.  

How to Apply  

To apply click on ‘Apply Online’ and fill out the application form. Further information about the application process can be found here: https://jobs.uwl.ac.uk/display.aspx?id=1253&pid=0  

Please email hr.recruitment@uwl.ac.uk if you need any assistance with the application process. 

Interviews are expected to be held in the week commencing 7th April 2025.

Additional Information  

Read more about working at the University of West London at https://www.uwl.ac.uk/about-us/how-university-works/why-work-uwl 

Our department/school is under-represented in terms of staff from minority ethnic backgrounds, of LGBT+ identities, and with disabilities. UWL is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter, and is a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly those mentioned above to increase diversity in our workforce. 

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.  

This position does not meet the University criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Please be advised that it is expected that appointment within a grade will normally be at the minimum point. 

We will intermittently review the applications as part of this open advert, therefore if successful, you will be shortlisted and contacted at any time.  

The University of West London reserves the right to close the role prior to this date should a suitable applicant be found.

Closing Date: 30 Mar 2025

Department: Support

Salary: £72,787 to £80,332 per annum