Senior Procurement and Contracts Manager

Diamond Light Source

  • United Kingdom
  • £48,543-57,108 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 8 days ago
Primarily based onsite at Diamond Light Source, Harwell, Oxfordshire / limited home working may be availableAbout UsDiamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.About the RoleWe now have an opportunity for a Procurement and Contracts Manager to take the next step in their careers by joining our small procurement team at this exciting time of development for Diamond.Diamond is undertaking a £500m upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond-II, and this role will play a part in contributing to the upgrade.The Senior Procurement and Contracts Manager will work ensure the timely delivery of contracts to Diamond, and closely with our Technical and Scientific teams to ensure that the most appropriate Procurement tendering routes are selected.Further accountabilities will include:
  • Line management of team members, providing professional leadership, support, motivation and development.
  • Managing high value / complex procurements from tender through to contract completion.
  • Managing supplier relationships to ensure their performance is in line with expectations, to ensure the supply chain works to meet Diamond’s objectives and to resolve any disputes.
  • Reporting to Senior Management on supplier progress, providing strategies to deal with any issues.
  • Preparing and issuing of invitations to tender (EU and UK), evaluating bids, analysing, negotiating, placing contracts and de-briefing suppliers in line with European Legislation and company requirements.
  • Providing professional advice to staff to ensure purchase orders, contracts and agreements are commercially viable and legally compliant.
This role may involve occasional international travel to visit suppliers.About YouThe successful candidate will be Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply qualified (or similar professional qualification), working towards this, or demonstrate extensive equivalent experience.You will have experience of Procurement in the UK Public sector with knowledge of the UK Public Procurement regulations, with further commercial experience desirable.You will also demonstrate:
  • Line management skills and experience.
  • An established track record managing high value / complex procurements from tender through to contract completion in a technically challenging environment.
  • Knowledge of different procurement routes and experience of selecting the most advantageous.
  • The ability to analyse and feedback on supplier performance to inform future Procurement decisions
  • The ability to provide professional Procurement advice to Diamond staff
You will need excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation and presentation, skills with the ability to influence and build relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.BenefitsDiamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.To ApplyPlease use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.To ApplyPlease use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.Closing date: 21st Septemner 2025, interviews will take place on site at Diamond Light Source on 6th October 2025Business AreaProfessional/SupportFull Time Salary£48,543 to £57,108 per annumPost TypeFull time / PermanentClosing Date21/09/2025

Diamond Light Source