Head of Procurement

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£69,411 - £76,356

Who are we?

About the role

As Head of Procurement, you’ll provide strategic leadership across tendering, purchasing, contract management, procurement governance and risk, ensuring we deliver a responsive, customer-focused service that supports the organisation’s operational and strategic priorities.

You’ll play a key role in responding to the Procurement Act 2023, ensuring our policies, processes and guidance support compliant and effective procurement while keeping bureaucracy proportionate. You’ll also lead the development of category management, procurement planning and sourcing approaches that improve value for money, supplier performance and commercial outcomes.

Working closely with Strategic Finance, Legal, operational teams, project teams and senior stakeholders, you’ll provide expert advice and constructive challenge, helping NOC make well-informed and commercially sound decisions.

You’ll lead and develop a skilled procurement team, creating a culture of high performance, professional development and excellent service. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact on how NOC plans, delivers and manages procurement, while helping to strengthen the value and performance we achieve through our supply chain.

About you

You will be an experienced procurement or commercial professional with a strong track record of leading procurement activity in a complex organisation. You’ll have a good understanding of procurement governance, public procurement requirements and compliance, alongside experience of category management, procurement planning and delivering value for money.

You’ll be confident providing expert advice and constructive challenge, translating complex procurement requirements into practical and compliant processes. You’ll be comfortable working with senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making and building strong relationships across different teams and functions.

You’ll be a collaborative and customer-focused leader who can develop and motivate a high-performing team, while challenging existing ways of working and identifying opportunities to improve quality, efficiency and commercial outcomes.

A relevant procurement or commercial qualification, or equivalent demonstrable experience, is essential, alongside degree-level education or equivalent professional experience in procurement, commercial management, supply chain, law, finance or a related discipline.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays

- financial support for relocation

- a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)

- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards

- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories

- 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 

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.

Date advert posted: 19/08/2026

Closing date: 09/09/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

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