Head of Procurement

About EIT

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is focused on turning scientific advances into practical outcomes. Its work brings together scientists, engineers, technologists, researchers, educators, and innovators to address major global challenges across four key areas: health and medical science with generative biology, food security and sustainable agriculture, climate change and CO₂ management, and artificial intelligence and robotics.

EIT operates with a strong emphasis on excellence, innovation, persistence, trust, and collaboration. The organisation aims to convert ambitious ideas into scalable solutions that move from research to real-world impact.

Role Overview

EIT Oxford is seeking a Head of Procurement to define and drive its procurement function over the long term. The role will be responsible for building the strategy, policies, processes, and systems needed to support a high-performing research and innovation organisation. The position involves close partnership with senior leadership and suppliers to ensure sourcing is efficient, compliant, and delivers strong value. This role also includes team leadership, supplier relationship management, and continuous improvement across procurement operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and execute a procurement strategy that supports EIT Oxford’s goals and risk priorities.
• Design, improve, and embed procurement policies, controls, and operating frameworks that strengthen consistency, transparency, and compliance.
• Work with senior leaders to anticipate future needs and shape procurement support that enables growth, efficiency, and quality.
• Track market movement, supply chain changes, and industry practices to inform strategic decisions and innovation.
• Manage and improve the sourcing process so goods, services, and consultancy support are procured efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Lead supplier due diligence, including risk checks, onboarding, and scheduled reviews aligned to contract timelines.
• Build and maintain productive supplier relationships while monitoring performance against quality, cost, and delivery expectations.
• Oversee requisition-to-pay activities, ensuring smooth purchase order handling and strong service to internal teams.
• Support sourcing exercises such as competitive tenders, pre-qualification steps, and supplier identification.
• Take ownership of procurement systems and tools, including Oracle Fusion where applicable, to improve workflow efficiency and data accuracy.
• Produce procurement reporting covering spend, savings, compliance, and supplier performance.
• Collaborate with Finance to resolve invoice issues, improve end-to-end processes, and support timely supplier payment in line with agreed terms.
• Identify and deliver opportunities for automation, process improvement, and a better stakeholder experience.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Coach, guide, and develop procurement team members to build a strong performance culture.
• Act as the internal procurement authority, helping teams understand and consistently follow procurement standards and practices.
• Develop strong working relationships across the organisation and help stakeholders plan effectively for supplier engagement and best outcomes.

Requirements

• A degree in business, supply chain management, procurement, or a similar field.
• CIPS certification, or an equivalent qualification, is preferred.
• Extensive procurement experience with clear career progression, ideally including team leadership.
• Strong commercial judgement and a record of delivering value, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Hands-on experience with procurement systems, ideally Oracle Fusion, and the ability to learn new platforms quickly.
• Strong analytical capability, including spend analysis, supplier assessment, and performance monitoring.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Prior experience in life sciences.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience, plus travel allowance and bonus.
• Enhanced annual leave with the option to purchase extra days.
• Pension plan.
• Life assurance.
• Income protection cover.
• Private medical insurance.
• Hospital cash plan.
• Therapy services.
• Perk Box access.
• Electric car scheme.
• Childcare benefit.

Working Conditions

• The role requires permanent right to work in the UK and flexibility to travel as needed. Sponsorship may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• You should already live in Oxford or within an easy commuting distance, or be prepared to relocate there.

Organisation Focus

EIT’s broader mission spans health, sustainable agriculture, climate solutions, and artificial intelligence and robotics. The procurement function is expected to support this mission by enabling efficient, compliant, and high-value sourcing across the organisation.