Senior Procurement Business Partner

Location

Southampton

Function

Strategic Finance

Group

Procurement

Duration

Full Time

Salary

£55,939 - £67,119

Closing Date

17/11/2026

Job Reference

NOC12374

Documents

• Job Description and Person Specification (PDF, 140.89kb)
  
  

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National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£55,939 - £67,119

Please note that we aim to complete first stage interviews between 23rd - 27th November, if we require second stage interviews they will be completed by 4th December.

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About The Role

Following an internal promotion we are seeking to appoint a new Senior Procurement Business Partner (SPBP). The SPBP leads the procurement strand of our Procurement and Purchasing team and reports to the Head of Procurement. Procurement as a group sits within Strategic Finance, and is growing as we roll out a new tendering system and develop into a sustainable, innovative, agile and strategic function.

Procurement at NOC supports the research, vessel operations and infrastructure that make our ocean science possible. In this role you will lead NOC's Procurement and Contract Management strategy and ensure that all procurement, purchasing and contract management activity is aligned with it, giving colleagues across the organisation a consistent and dependable route to market.

You will line manage and develop a team of Procurement Business Partners, each responsible for a category portfolio. You will set clear priorities across the team, support colleagues on the most complex and high-value tenders and frameworks, and help each Business Partner build their confidence and capability.

As our senior procurement subject matter expert, you will advise stakeholders across NOC on commercial approach, risk and compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, and lead the procurement elements of key cross-functional programmes. You will work in tandem with the Senior Procurement Controller, who owns procurement systems, compliance reporting, policy and process elements of the Group ensuring alignment with relevant capabilities and regulatory requirements.

This is an opportunity to shape how a growing procurement function works, and to see that work makes a direct difference to NOC's science at sea and on shore.

About You

We are looking for an experienced procurement professional who enjoys developing people and working with stakeholders at all levels. Even if you cannot demonstrate all of the requirements, you will have:

• Substantial experience of complex public sector procurement, including frameworks and high-value, high-risk contracts.
• Experience leading, line managing and developing procurement professionals, including setting priorities across a team.
• Experience developing category strategies and plans based on market, cost and supplier analysis, and supporting others to deliver them.
• Experience aligning procurement, purchasing and contract management activity with an overarching strategy, policy and process framework.
• Detailed working knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023, including competitive procedures, frameworks, direct award and notice requirements.
• The ability to act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders and to lead the procurement elements of cross-functional programmes.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills, and confidence working with legal teams on contractual terms.
• Experience embedding whole life contract management and supplier relationship management.
• Experience with e-tendering/e-procurement and ERP systems (Proactis and Unit4 advantageous), and procurement reporting and analytics.
  
  

Category experience in research, public sector or HE environments would be an advantage.

Why NOC?

We Offer a Generous Set Of Benefits, Including

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
• access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
• we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer
  
  

Location

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.

We have a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

Submitting an application

We will be assessing all applications against the answer submitted to the application question. Those deemed suitable will then be assessed against the attached person specification.

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in the position. Applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.

Date advert posted: 20/10/2026

Closing date: 17/10/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.