Strategic Procurement Business Partner

UKAEA's pay arrangements and grading structure are currently under review as part of a transformation project and proposed multi-year pay deal. UKAEA aims to introduce a new grading structure in 2024. This will enable us to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise the scientific and economic benefits. Now is a great time to join the organisation and be part of the journey.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Strategic Procurement Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in:

- Manage and oversee procurement and contract management for high-value, complex projects supporting strategic fusion development and indirect spend contracts.
- To lead procurement strategies for a key programme area involving collaboration with government, industry, academia, and senior stakeholders.
- You will engage in supply chain activities, including supplier development and organising specialised sourcing events to boost procurement engagement and innovate contracting models.
- You will work closely with the Head of Programme and senior stakeholders to implement strategic procurement plans and handle operational commercial matters.
- To possess an MCIPS qualification and extensive public sector procurement experience, actively managing KPIs and post-contract involvement for strategically important contracts.

Additional Responsibilities:

- Strategic Procurement Management: Manage a range of complex, high-value end-to-end procurements and contracts to ensure maximum value for money in line with UKAEA procurement policies and public contract regulations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a strategic partner, influencing internal and external stakeholders up to the Director level, helping solve problems and realise opportunities within specified areas.
- Business Intelligence and Analysis: Develop and analyse procurement management information to improve business intelligence and support commercial decisions and planning across the organisation.
- Collaborative Operations: Work closely with various UKAEA departments and external parties to ensure procurement projects comply with organisational policies and regulatory requirements, including public tender postings.
- Commercial Leadership: Lead commercial engagement for significant procurements (above £10M), facilitating commercial approvals and strategies with the DESNZ Commercial team and the Cabinet Office.
- Evaluation and Compliance: Oversee the tender evaluation process, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations.

Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (MCIPS), qualified
- Detailed experience of Public Sector Procurement and PCR (2015) regs
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to negotiate at the highest levels with suppliers
- Commercially astute and customer-focused
- Excellent negotiation skills with a sound understanding of NEC form of Contract
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to influence at senior levels
- Relevant expertise and experience to act as the lead expert for complex/critical Procurement and Commercial issues and influence both internal and external stakeholders
- Experience in supporting the needs and expectations of collaborations/consortiums and their stakeholders

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world's energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realising fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

Abingdon Road, Culham, UK
Full-time, Hybrid Working, Flexible working requests welcome
Salary: £61,556 (inclusive of £5,000 if fully MCIPS qualified) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
Division: Procurement
Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
Confirmed Grade: Level 6
Department: Procurement, Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
- Corporate bonus scheme of up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
- Flexible working options, including family-friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days of Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
- Wide range of career development opportunities.
- A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £61,556 (inclusive of £5,000 if fully MCIPS qualified).