Senior Buyer

We are looking for a great person to join our award-winning procurement team as a Senior Buyer.

The opportunity

Procurement at Edinburgh University is undergoing a major transformation as we transform our Procurement extending the scope of our influence and impact across our 1bn world-renowned organisation and introduce Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP. This is a great opportunity for a Senior Buyer to join our team.

The University of Edinburgh is one of the worlds top universities consistently ranked in the world top 50 and placed 20th in the 2020 QS World University Rankings. It has over 33000 students and employs 15000 staff and has a non-pay spend in excess of 300 million per annum.

Our vision is To become world class in everything we do recognised as a trusted strategic partner in the successful delivery of the Universitys Strategy 2030.

To deliver on our commitments we are now looking for people who make things happen who challenge the status quo are excited about working in a diverse dynamic environment and really want to make a change.

Edinburgh University is a world leader. Be part of our new Procurement journey.

The Opportunity:
We are looking for a Senior Buyer to join our IS & Telecoms Operational Procurement team.

The Senior Buyer will:

obtain quotations for purchases supporting end users to develop accurate specifications and analysing requirements to identify suitable suppliers for direct Requests for Quotations for lower value non-regulated procurements.
create advertise evaluate and award tenders to suppliers using University and relevant external systems/portals and in accordance with agreed commodity procurement strategies deciding upon the appropriate procurement route and whether order consolidation is possible at all times ensuring compliance with University policies procedures and procurement regulations and sourcing strategies
ensure effective and efficient administration of the Universitys Procurement Card programme in accordance with policy and procedure escalating any fraudulent transactions/discrepancies to the Procurement Support Team and other relevant parties
organise and maintain document management (e.g. specification development e-Sourcing whole life costing and contract/order placement benefits and efficiency records)
investigate and resolve invoice price variances by liaising with end users and external suppliers to ensure prompt supplier payment
create new supplier requests and submit to the Procurement Support team ensuring business probity considerations are actioned
support the development of Operational Procurement processes training delivery provide advice and guidance to end users and improve service standards
ensure supplier catalogues are kept up-to-date
represent the University at relevant external events and contribute to future commodity strategies by participating in User Information Groups and deputise for Operational Procurement Manager as required
monitor suppliers performance against contracts or other arrangements investigate and resolve any issues with suppliers and end users to ensure satisfactory levels of quality of service and goods is received
Analyse expenditure profiles look for opportunities to reduce duplication and streamline processes for the University in goods services and works. Preparing and delivering on annual commodity plans to achieve best practice indicators to contribute to improving commodity influence value for money whole life costing sustainability etc.

The successful candidate will:

have relevant procurement experience ideally in IT Software & hardware procurement public or Higher Education sector with knowledge of legislative framework and will demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development.
IT experience is not mandatory if supported by substantial procurement experience and a demonstration of ability to pick up a new category.
be passionate about delivering excellent customer service and possess excellent interpersonal skills for effective interaction with internal customers and external suppliers and ideally be able to demonstrate examples of responsiveness and successful introduction of change
be self-motivated and thrive in a time sensitive high volume environment with a flexible attitude and the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
have personal credibility and ethics be a good team player with good commercial influencing and negotiation skills and have the ability to influence and provide guidance to colleagues throughout the University on procurement best practice and compliance
possess good analytical skills good attention to detail and the ability to produce clear evidence-based reports and recommendations and good presentation skills to deliver procurement updates and training to end users.

Click herefor a copy of the full job description.

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting positive creative challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits such as a generous holiday entitlement a defined benefits pension scheme staff discounts family-friendly initiatives and flexible work options. Check out the full list on ourstaff benefits page(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on ourright to work webpages(opens new browser tab).

On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

The closing date for applications is 3 December 2025

Interviews are planned immediately on review of suitable applicants.

If invited for interview you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.