Interim Procurement Manager

Procurement Manager – 13-Month Maternity Cover (June 2025 – July 2026) | Hybrid (2–3 Days Onsite Weekly) | Strategic Opportunity with a Leading Innovation Organisation – Oxfordshire
We’re working with a pioneering organisation at the forefront of innovation and research, supporting national and international projects across multiple sectors. As they continue to deliver high-impact initiatives, they’re looking to welcome a Procurement Manager to their Commercial Services team for a 13-month maternity cover.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a values-driven, forward-thinking organisation committed to collaboration, learning, and delivering exceptional outcomes for partners and stakeholders alike.
About the Role
As Procurement Manager, you’ll be instrumental in delivering compliant, value-driven procurement services that support project timelines, strategic business goals, and legislative requirements. You’ll collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, providing expert procurement guidance while supporting contract delivery in alignment with the Procurement Act 2023.
You’ll work alongside a Procurement Business Partner and report to the Head of Commercial Services.
This is a hybrid role, requiring a presence onsite 2–3 days per week.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes in line with internal policy and the Procurement Act 2023.
• Maintain oversight of the strategic procurement pipeline and contract renewals, ensuring timely and compliant awards.
• Provide clear guidance on routes to market, drafting specifications, evaluation criteria, and procurement documentation.
• Draft and review contracts, including change notes, ensuring measurable deliverables and risk mitigation.
• Monitor legal and policy updates, advising on changes to internal processes.
• Support due diligence checks and risk assessments on new suppliers.
• Provide advice and training across teams, championing procurement best practices.
• Support expenditure tracking and shopping cart compliance using internal systems (SAP or similar).

What We’re Looking For

• Strong experience in public sector procurement, including working under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and/or the Procurement Act 2023.
• Confident drafting and reviewing procurement documentation, contracts, and commercial terms.
• Clear communicator who can tailor messaging to a range of audiences.
• Organised and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office and comfortable navigating procurement and finance systems.
• Desirable: Experience working across grant and commercial funding models.
• Desirable: MCIPS or working towards it.
• Desirable: Background in technical, research, or innovation-focused environments.

What’s in It for You?

• Up to £55,000 P/A also open to day rates inside of IR35
• 13-month fixed-term contract with a structured onboarding plan
• Generous holiday allowance and pension scheme
• Learning and development support, including training opportunities
• Collaborative, feedback-driven environment focused on growth and wellbeing
• Inclusive and purpose-driven culture

Success in this Role Means...

• Procurement activity is delivered compliantly and on time, supporting project outcomes.
• Stakeholders feel supported and confident navigating procurement processes.
• Contracts reflect best value and robust risk management.

If you’re an experienced procurement professional ready to join a mission-led team delivering innovation with integrity, we’d love to hear from you.