National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Senior Procurement Administrator - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract

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About the Role
Fixed Term Contract - 12 months
Put simply, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, the National Physical Laboratory is helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases and the development of cutting-edge communications technology.
Every department has their own set of unique needs. As their Senior Administrator, you’ll get to know what those are and set up the right levels of administrative support to deliver on them. As an experienced administrator, it’s the chance to learn more about our business and where it could take you.
Acting as the first point of contact, you’re on hand to ensure the administration of the department is delivered smoothly and to the highest standard. You’ll coordinate the team’s duties to play to their strengths, whilst ensuring they deliver a high-level of customer service at all times. Taking a particular interest in the management’s needs, you’ll help prepare and circulate documents, as well as conduct research. Finally, you’ll take responsibility for the implementation and maintenance of the systems and databases – ensuring they are compliant and accurate.
What you’ll be doing:
- Implementing, maintaining, and updating government reporting systems and internal reporting systems
- Running monthly reports for the department
- Act as the primary contact to manage and respond to administration requests effectively and efficiently.
- Support the administration requirements of the Strategic Procurement Team
- Supporting the preparation and administration of documents for the department
- Following and implementing processes and procedures and identify any improvements.
- Monitoring and reporting on activities and providing relevant management information.
- Checking supplier accreditations
- Conducting procurement activity in accordance with Health & Safety
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About You
As the Senior Procurement Administrator, you will be a key player in our procurement team and will lead on a variety of administrative tasks that will ensure your department operates efficiently. You’ll take the lead on the reporting requirements for the department.
What you can bring to the role:
- You must have strong Administration skills in a procurement environment - Essential
- You’ll have knowledge of procurement methods, processes, and technologies, as well as Purchase to Pay systems
- You’ll have experience of working in a fast-paced and changing environment with demanding business objectives,
- You must have the ability to organise and manage data accurately, as well as conducting reporting activities.
- You’ll have effective communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships across multiple business areas, internally and externally.
- You’ll be a team player and problem-solving skills
- You must be IT literate - ability to use all Microsoft Packages - including Excel.
This is a great opportunity to join a close-knit, friendly and driven procurement team with the opportunity for career progression.
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.
About Us
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview


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NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.
We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.
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