Procurement Manager

Job summary

Salary: £46,743 per annum (Plus Specialist Allowance £2,500 per annum for full member of CIPS).
Band: UKRI Band E.
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 Months).
Hours: Full Time.
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxon - Hybrid Working Available (Minimum 2 days per week in office).

Closing date: 25th August 2026.

Interviews: W/c 7th September 2026.

UKRI Procurement Manager

UKRI Commercial is looking to build upon recent growth and success, aiming to develop further to provide excellent commercial support and support its ambitious objectives. This is also a time of significant regulatory change due to the new Procurement Act, making it an exciting period for UKRI Commercial. We welcome candidates who may not have extensive public procurement experience, as we will all be learning the new regulations together.

The Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

The Science & Technology Facilities Council has a mission to deliver world-leading national and international research and innovation capabilities. Major research and innovation campuses at Harwell, Daresbury and research facilities across the UK support fundamental research in Particle Physics, Technology, space science and many other areas.

The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), in Harwell Oxfordshire, pioneers work in areas including particle physics, scientific computing, laser development, space research, and technology which addresses some of the important challenges facing society.

STFC buys a wide variety of complex and sometimes unique products and services including equipment, technical services and infrastructure to support a range of end-users.

Job description

About the role

• To provide expertise and ability to undertake a range of medium value complex procurements including sourcing and contracting.
• Support end users with, and during, their procurement requirements.
• Provision of expert advice on all aspects of regulations and controls and representing UKRI’s risk appetite in procurement decisions.
• To keep local end users up-to-date with best practice in procurement.
• Act as initial contact and escalation route to the Commercial Business Partner.
• Support the development of local procurement and contract management skill.
  

Your Responsibilities

• Undertake procurement sourcing and contracting actions using the most appropriate route to market to deliver value and compliance.
• Provide expert procurement advice to end-users, including guidance on when to direct procurement to the shared service centre.
• Offer guidance on local procurement issues, making decisions that add value for UKRI.
• Participate in local commercial assurance, planning, and in-house contract management.

About You

Confidently use relevant procurement systems to enable effective sourcing and contract management to deliver value for UKRI. Build collaborative relationships with local stakeholders, acting as initial escalation point for key decision making and medium value contract sign-off

We seek a dynamic, enthusiastic individual who enjoys applying their skills and experience to procurement projects. The role involves managing diverse stakeholders, and confidence and professional credibility are essential for positive engagement throughout the procurement lifecycle.

Person specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

• Experience procuring goods or services in a regulated environment (S&I).
• Proven ability to manage procurement projects from market engagement to contract award (I).
• Experience in contract management (S).
• Ability to review and recommend procurement strategies, create tender evaluation models, and produce procurement documentation (S&I).
• Ability to interpret procurement terms and advise on non-standard terms (I).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills at all levels (S&I).
• Experience and knowledge of public procurement including Procurement Act 23 and related processes (S&I).
• MCIPs qualified or willing to work towards (I).

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,743, UK Research and Innovation contributes £13,541 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

We value our employees and offer a competitive pay and rewards package, supporting continuous learning. Benefits include:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days’ annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege days (full-time equivalent).
• Employee discounts on retail and leisure activities.
• Confidential employee assistance programme
• Flexible working options.

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

For further information on our benefits please see:
Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

We currently operate a flexible hybrid working arrangement, allowing staff to work three days a week from home.

The UKRI Commercial Directorate is also passionate about supporting our team’s professional development, and is committed to:

• A structured mentoring programme for all new starters
• A variety of ongoing training opportunities delivered internally and externally, to encourage continuing professional development.
• Support (both financially and with agreed study leave) to complete MCIPS
• Providing a breadth of experience in procurement and categories of purchasing – from one-off specialist research equipment, construction, professional services, Facilities Management and scientific computing.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact [email removed]

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/sk