Category Practitioner

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. 
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. 
We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.  Further information about the University can be found here  

The Role and the Department

The Procurement Service forms part of the University’s Professional Services function and delivers a centralised procurement and purchasing activity to the entire organisation.  The department is currently split between the Purchasing Team, who are responsible for the day-to- day tactical procurement, and the Category Team, who are responsible for strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management. The department is responsible for the procurement of all goods and services for the University and driving value for money, using strategic sourcing strategies within a category management framework.

Under the stewardship of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Procurement Service and colleagues in Finance have recently implemented Oracle Fusion for financials and eProcurement, which offers exciting opportunities to transform the processes and practices in place to further support the departments desire to be best in sector.

Professional Services are expected to move into Boldon House commencing Spring 2024, this will be a flagship building devoted to becoming the University’s first ever professional service hub.  The building is being designed with flexible hybrid working in mind and will fully support the University’s Hybrid Working Policy.  The Procurement Service are ear-marked to be one of the first occupants of this building.

The Category Practitioner will be required to cope with multiple deadlines in a calm and efficient manner, providing excellent customer service and encouraging stakeholder engagement.

Working at Durham  

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. 
• We offer generous pension schemes. 

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  
As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. 
 

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

In order to be considered for interview, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification.  In some cases, the recruiting panel may also consider the desirable criteria, so we recommend you evidence all criteria in your application.  

Please note that some criteria will only be considered at interview stage.

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:
Qualifications/Experience
1.  Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
2.  Experience of working in a busy office environment delivering front line administrative services or having relevant qualifications for the role.
3.  Experience of managing time to meet deadlines and working under pressure without compromising on quality.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
4.  Good spoken and written communication skills.
5.  Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including the internet, email, digital communication tools and Microsoft 365 applications.
6.  Committed to continuing professional development.
7.  Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team.
8.  Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.

Desirable Criteria
9.  Relevant administrative experience in a busy office environment.
10.  Experience of working on the front line with service delivery, and the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
11.  Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues. 
12.  Experience of working in a team.
13.  Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
14.  Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.

How to apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above.  Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.  

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.  We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails 

What you are required to submit:

·       A CV 

·      A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.  

Contact details 

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Liam Glasper would be happy to speak to you. You can contact Liam by emailing [email protected]

Typical Role Requirements

Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery

• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
• Provide an excellent and timely service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
• Use your experience and problem-solving skills to resolve routine issues with things relevant to your role such as purchasing card queries and provide information and updates to help your team find solutions.
• Provide training, guidance and support to staff and students regarding Purchase card matters.
• Undertake routine and strategic sourcing exercises under the guidance of the Senior Category Manager.
• Operate an enquiry service and process requests finding solutions or escalating queries where necessary.
• Contribute to the planning of team activities, work and deadlines to ensure the smooth running and timeliness of service.
• Liaise with representatives from other service areas, professional organisations and agencies where necessary.
• Collect, organise and record data and information accurately and provide reports as required.
• Promote positive wellbeing arrangements which benefit you and your team.
• When carrying out your role, use and apply relevant professional and regulatory standards (e.g. data protection) when managing data.
• Use standard office-based devices and applications such as Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams and email to deliver services.
• Update guidance on standard operating procedures followed by the team.
• Liaise with internal and external suppliers and specialists with the organisation, planning and delivery of services, activities and events.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Teamwork

• Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.
• Help your team organise and provide administrative services that support key activities (e.g. onboarding suppliers, arranging meetings/events) undertaken within your service and contribute to team planning activities.
• Help your team ensure that products and services are adapted in response to feedback and to meet changing demands.
• Flexible in approach to accommodate the needs of team members and/or service users.

Communication/Liaison

• Seek feedback from staff, suppliers and anyone else that you come across as part of your role on their requirements from your service to ensure that their reasonable expectations are being met.
• Record information and respond to queries which you receive.
• Liaise with staff in other areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
• Liaise with external suppliers, contractors, specialists and service providers to plan the delivery of services and events.
• Provide support for meetings, working groups and committees, such preparing and sending documents for meetings, drafting reports and taking minutes.
• Any other reasonable duties.   

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices – Durham University  which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. 

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.