Job Description

Procurement Category Manager - IT & Professional Services



National Oceanography Centre, Southampton



Permanent



Full time (37 hours per week)



43,703 - 47,941 (Plus potential market supplement up to 3,000, based on experience & qualifications)





Please note that while we have used the job title 'Procurement Category Manager' to advertise the vacancy, the official title of the position is 'Procurement Business Partner'.





Who are we?



We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.



We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.



The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.



Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.





About the role



The Procurement Business Partner is part of the Strategic Procurement team and plays a crucial role in supporting the NOC's mission by providing professional procurement expertise. This position presents an exciting opportunity to join NOC Procurement as we advance our procurement strategies and evolve into a sustainable, innovative, agile, and strategic function.





This role acts as a Business Partner, strategic advisor, and procurement SME to nominated functions within the organisation, forging strong stakeholder relationships to deliver best practice procurement. You will support day-to-day operations and NOC projects by designing, implementing, and managing procurement strategies that align with stakeholder goals.





As a team operating in a fast-paced, high-tech, and scientific environment, we seek an innovative thinker capable of embracing ambiguity and collaborating effectively with key stakeholders. We are looking for an enthusiastic, tenacious, and resilient procurement specialist to support procurement activities across various categories, potentially including scientific or technical categories. This role involves ensuring high levels of service, maintaining governance and compliance with public procurement regulations (including the Procurement Act 2023), and promoting best practices across the supply chain.





As a Procurement Business Partner for IT & Professional Services, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the National Oceanography Centre's mission by delivering expert procurement solutions across a diverse range of technology and professional service categories. You will work closely with stakeholders to develop and implement procurement strategies that enable innovation, efficiency, and value for money, while ensuring compliance with public sector regulations and NOC policies.





About you



We are seeking a candidate with a robust background in procurement, capable of effectively managing and prioritising multiple projects while fostering strong stakeholder relationships. Even if you cannot demonstrate all of the requirements





You will have:


Experience acting as a subject matter expert and trusted business partner within cross-functional teams, supporting IT and professional services procurement initiatives. Proven ability to deliver innovative sourcing solutions for complex IT and consultancy requirements, adapting to changing business and technology needs. Strong relationship management skills within a matrix organization, influencing stakeholders across IT, Finance, and Operations. Skilled in assessing organizational needs, translating these into clear supplier requirements, and evaluating proposals/contracts for IT and professional services. Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and procedures, including compliance with the Procurement Act 2023. Experience creating category plans based on market, cost, and supplier analysis for IT services, ERP systems, and consultancy frameworks. Demonstrated ability in supplier relationship management, including performance oversight and whole-life contract management for IT and professional services. Experience reviewing and negotiating supplier terms and preparing tender/framework documentation for technology and consultancy projects. Familiarity with a wide range of procurement solutions, including negotiation and competitive tendering for IT and professional services. Experience with ERP systems (Unit4 advantageous) and exposure to large public tenders, Public Contracting Regulations, and procurement reporting and analytics.




Why NOC?



We offer a generous set of benefits, including:


30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays

a 10% employer contribution pension scheme

access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues

access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards

a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories

a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations

we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer




Location



This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.



The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.



We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.





Submitting an application



Please click 'Apply for this job' and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. Please be aware that applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.



If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.



Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.



We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.



Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.



There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.





Date advert posted: 09/10/2025



Closing date: 06/11/2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.



Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.