This is an exciting opportunity to join the Strategic Procurement Team at a time when procurement is playing an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of higher education. In a challenging financial climate, universities are under pressure to deliver greater value, sustainability, and resilience—making this a pivotal moment for procurement professionals to shine.
As a Procurement Advisor, you will support the delivery of high-quality, value-driven procurement services across a diverse range of categories. Working closely with stakeholders across the University, you’ll help to develop and implement sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with procurement regulations. You’ll also contribute to strategic projects and sustainability initiatives, helping to drive innovation and continuous improvement in how the University sources goods, services, and works.
This role aligns with the “Tactical” level of the CIPS Global Standards. The successful candidate will be supported in working towards MCIPS accreditation through the National Apprenticeship Scheme. This structured programme includes the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply, delivered through a blend of online learning, one-to-one coaching, and practical on-the-job experience.
About you
You are a motivated and ambitious individual with a keen interest in procurement and a desire to build a meaningful career in a dynamic and evolving sector. You bring a positive, solutions-focused mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and suppliers alike.
Whether you're early in your career or looking to transition into procurement, you’ll thrive in a role that offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to make a real impact.
Previous post holders have successfully progressed through this route, gaining their MCIPS accreditation and advancing within the Strategic Procurement Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-starter who is ready to grow, contribute, and help shape the future of procurement in higher education.
About our division
The Finance Division is led by the Chief Financial Officer who reports directly to the Vice Chancellor. We employ some 80 staff who provide high quality financial and commercial services which support both the day to day running of our schools, services, and the development and delivery of the University’s strategic aims.
Our staff work in partnership with academic, professional service colleagues, and students to understand their priorities and needs. We maintain efficient and effective services, systems, and processes, assist in identifying and exploiting commercial and strategic opportunities, manage financial risk and improve ‘spending power’ through negotiation of favourable commercial terms. We work hard to equip staff across the University with financial capability and confidence to ensure that the University makes the best use of resources for our students and research partners.
Why work here
Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.
Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.
