Job details

ARIA funds breakthrough R&D for society. With an unprecedented level of

independence and operational freedom, we are rethinking how to best support scientists and engineers whose work can change the world. We are growing our team to develop bold new approaches that can scale – from programmes to systems, processes and everything in between. If that sounds fun, come and build ARIA with us .

ARIA is seeking a dynamic Procurement/Contracts manager to join our procurement, contracts and grants team, where your expertise and drive will be invaluable as you will be a crucial aid to the wider team. You'll be involved in every aspect of the procurement life cycle, from pre-market engagement to contract closure and renewals

As Procurement Manager your main responsibilities will be: 

• You'll be accountable for defining and running operational procurements and research and development programme/project funding calls in line with ARIA commercial and grant models. This will include working with wider ARIA team members including our Programme Directors.
• You’ll also be reliable for ensuring that value for money is always obtained and negotiate the appropriate commercial/grant agreements alongside legal.
• You'll be engaged in ongoing proactive management of suppliers, contracts and grants, working closely with colleagues and suppliers to ensure that delivery is always on time and that any potential issues are identified and addressed before they become problems.
• Providing general advice on procurement/research and development sourcing matters across the organisation, as well as contributing to the evolution of the procurement, contract and grant policies and working practices
• You'll be collaborating with colleagues across ARIA to ensure a mutual understanding of work requirements and progress.
• As you identify opportunities for improvement, you'll be proposing innovative solutions that will help drive continuous improvement and success within ARIA.
• You'll be accountable for ensuring that all decisions are accurately recorded, audit trails are maintained, and records are managed.

Essential Criteria

• Good sourcing knowledge in multi-disciplinary environments covering pre and post-contract activity.
• Commercially astute and solutions-focused.
• Be comfortable with uncertainty and take a problem-solving approach.
• You have managed contract/commercial risks and associated mitigations.
• You have an eye for detail with strong verbal, written and numeracy skills and an ability to convey complex information in simple ways.
• You have open communication and collaboration skills with an ability to adapt to different levels and stakeholders.
• You have good negotiating and influencing skills.
• You will need to be a highly organised individual who can manage and prioritise a large workload, whilst being adaptable in a fast paced environment
• A self starter, comfortable working in a small team and a willingness to take on any task.

Desirable Criteria

• Highly desirable - You have worked within the research and development environment.
• Experience of grant management.
• You have worked in both the public and private sector.
• Membership of a professional body such as CIPS or working towards

If this role sounds like something that you would be interested in, please click the link to apply or get in touch with helen.hollywood@publicsectorresourcing.co.uk

In applying for this role you acknowledge the following, this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.