Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
Head of Procurement
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Head of Procurement – EIT Oxford
About EIT and the Role
At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we transform groundbreaking scientific research into societal impact. Our mission brings together world-leading minds in four critical areas:
- Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
- Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
- Climate Change & Managing CO₂
- Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
We are seeking a Head of Procurement to shape EIT Oxford’s procurement strategy, operationalise best-practice frameworks, and drive excellence in alignment with our bold research and innovation objectives. The role requires a visionary leader who can foster trust, collaborate with senior stakeholders, and optimise supplier relationships to execute world-class science with efficiency and impact.
Our team balances curiosity with pragmatism, trusting that well-structured transformation can achieve extraordinary outcomes. By scaling from concept to society, we make sustainable innovation a reality.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement Leadership
- Develop and implement a long-term procurement strategy that aligns with EIT Oxford’s growth, efficiency, and quality priorities while managing risks effectively.
- Lead the creation of procurement policies, controls, and frameworks ensuring operational consistency, compliance, and transparency.
- Partner with senior leadership to anticipate future needs and design procurement solutions that support scalable innovation.
- Monitor global market trends, supply chain dynamics, and industry benchmarks to inform agile, future-proof strategies.
- Oversee periodic due diligence for suppliers, including risk assessment, onboarding, and performance reviews aligned with contractual timelines.
Process Excellence & Supplier Collaboration
- Refine end-to-end procurement processes, ensuring timely sourcing of goods, services, and expert consultancies across all operational areas.
- Optimise the supplier onboarding and stewardship lifecycle, driving quality, cost control, and performance via robust evaluation metrics.
- adjudicate competitive sourcing events, manage pre-qualification, and steward supplier relationships to achieve value-for-money outcomes.
- Lead requisition-to-pay operations, ensuring efficient purchasing compliance, timely proposal management, and frontline service excellence.
- Supervise procurement system/technology utilisation (e.g., Oracle Fusion), aiming for data integrity and seamless workflows.
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Performance & Automation Leadership
- Direct spend analysis, cost-saving initiatives, and procurement reporting, tracking compliance, cost performance, and strategic KPIs.
- Collaborate with Finance to align invoice processing, solve disputes, and implement prompt supplier payments.
- Identify opportunities for process automation, cross-functional collaboration, and optimised procurement experiences.
Team & Stakeholder Engagement
- Foster a high-performing procurement culture through coaching, mentorship, and transparent leadership.
- Advise internal teams on procurement best practices, helping them anticipate supplier engagements while continuously demonstrating the value of alignment.
- Build trusted stakeholder relationships, facilitating proactive planning to improve sourcing outcomes.
Requirements
Essential Criteria
- Degree in business, supply chain management, procurement, economics, or a related field.
- CIPS qualification (or equivalent) is preferred but not required.
- At least 10 years of procurement experience, including leadership roles demonstrating progression.
- Proven track record of business value delivery in cost-saving, compliance, or operational efficiency.
- Deep expertise with enterprise procurement systems (especially Oracle Fusion) and a willingness to embrace emerging technologies.
- Excellent spend analysis, supplier risk assessment, and performance monitoring skills.
- Outstanding commercial, negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder influence capabilities.
- Relevant Life Sciences procurement experience—prior work within academic research or high-tech industry is a plus.
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Benefits Package
EIT offers a competitive benefits package designed to support sustainable performance and personal well-being:
Compensation & Retirement Security
- Competitive base salary aligned with experience + annual performance-based bonus (typically 15–20%).
- Generous private medical insurance.
- Pension and retirement planning support.
Work-Life Balance
- Enhanced holiday entitlement (30 days + ability to buy additional days).
- Flexible arrangements to accommodate personal responsibilities.
Additional Support
- Support package including life assurance, income protection, and a hospital cash plan.
- Access to therapy services and Perk Box employee discounts.
- Electric vehicle scheme subject to eligibility.
- Childcare benefits (up to £55/week) to support working parents.
Working with EIT
By joining us, you will:
- Operate from Oxford (or relocate within commute of EIT Oxford’s operations).
- Must hold permanent UK right-to-work status (sponsorship may be possible on a case-by-case basis).
- Advocate for collaborative, value-driven procurement that bridges visionary science with operational reality.
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