Head of Procurement

At Cardiff Met, procurement is central to how we deliver value, sustainability and impact across our University. As Head of Procurement, you’ll play a key role in shaping how we buy and collaborate; supporting our academic and professional communities as we deliver our Strategy 2030 ambitions.

This is a senior leadership role, combining commercial expertise with a clear sense of purpose. You’ll guide a proactive, customer‑focused procurement function that balances value for money with sustainability, social responsibility and legislative compliance, contributing meaningfully to how we operate as a modern, values‑driven university.

Additionally, you’ll:

• Support and develop a high performing Procurement team.
• Ensure all procurement activity aligns with the University’s strategic goals, legislatively compliance and good practice.
• Contribute to collaborative contracting activities of Higher Education Purchasing Consortia. 
• Oversee contract and performance management activity across the University.
• Build trusted relationships with schools and professional services staff to support strategic and operational procurement decision making. 

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for an experienced procurement leader with a strong track record of working in a large, complex organisation. You’ll bring extensive knowledge of procuring and managing contracts across a diverse range of goods, services and capital projects, alongside a practical working knowledge of contract law, financial regulations and control frameworks. You’ll also be familiar with the Public Contracts Regulations, Welsh Government procurement policy initiatives and the wider higher education policy environment. 

You’ll combine commercial awareness with the ability to think strategically, identifying risk and challenging established processes, behaviours and cultures where improvement is needed. Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills are essential, with the confidence to influence, negotiate and explain complex concepts clearly to non‑finance audiences. Experience of leading and developing people will be equally important, with a focus on building capability and a customer focused procurement culture.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development. 

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact us

For more information about the role please contact Mark Godsell, Interim Director of Finance on MGodsell@cardiffmet.ac.uk or feel free to contact Cerys Purdon, Recruitment Manager on cpurdon@cardiffmet.ac.uk.  

All applications must be submitted online.  

The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.