Procurement Specialist

Location: Remote based role (Warwick based site once a week)

Contract length: 12 months (Possible extension)

Pay Rate: -650 per day via umbrella (inside IR35)

We''re recruiting for an experienced procurement professional to join a well-established procurement team supporting a diverse portfolio of innovation and research programmes.

This is an opportunity to work on genuinely interesting and forward-thinking procurement activity, including the creation of new Dynamic Markets supporting research institutions, universities and emerging AI suppliers. You''ll be joining a collaborative, mature procurement function where stakeholder relationships are already well established, processes are in place, and you''ll be trusted to lead projects with a high degree of autonomy.

The Role

You''ll support a busy Innovation Procurement team delivering procurement activity across a range of funded programmes and commercial projects.

A key focus of the role will be the development and implementation of two new Dynamic Markets, designed to improve access to specialist suppliers within the education, research and AI sectors. Alongside this, you''ll manage end-to-end procurement activities, supporting stakeholders through sourcing, evaluation, negotiation and contract implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement exercises from requirement gathering through to contract award.
• Support the creation and implementation of new Dynamic Markets.
• Manage sourcing activities, tender processes and supplier evaluations.
• Facilitate moderation and evaluation sessions.
• Conduct commercial negotiations with suppliers.
• Develop procurement strategies and recommendations.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships across the business.
• Prepare procurement documentation, specifications and reports.
• Provide commercial and procurement advice to project teams.
• Support supplier and contract management activities.
• Ensure procurement activity is delivered in line with governance and compliance requirements.

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven procurement, category management or strategic sourcing experience.
• Experience managing procurements from initiation through to contract award.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial negotiation experience.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Experience operating within structured procurement and governance frameworks.
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and challenging constructively when required.

Desirable

• Experience establishing Framework Agreements, Dynamic Markets or supplier panels.
• Public sector or regulated industry procurement experience.
• Experience working with universities, research organisations or innovation programmes.
• Exposure to AI, technology or emerging supplier markets.
• Knowledge of e-sourcing platforms such as iValua, Jaggaer, Ariba, Coupa or similar.
• MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualifications.

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, we may retain your details for any future suitable vacancies and contact you accordingly.

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone''s chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.