Purchasing Assistant
University of Cambridge
Cambridge, United Kingdom
The University of Cambridge is seeking a Purchasing Assistant to join the Department of Physics within its Finance Team during an exciting period of transformation following the move to the state-of-the-art Ray Dolby Centre. This role forms part of a refreshed core purchasing structure and supports the department’s diverse academic, research, and operational activities.
The post holder will undertake a wide range of purchasing and procurement responsibilities in line with University policies, procedures, and best practices. Reporting to a Purchasing Administrator, the role involves ensuring compliance with procurement guidelines, achieving best value for the University, and maintaining awareness of sustainability goals.
Key responsibilities include processing purchasing transactions using the University’s finance system (CUFS), responding to purchasing-related queries, preparing activity and spend reports using systems such as CUFS and COGNOS, and identifying opportunities to improve procurement workflows. The role also requires providing guidance to staff and stakeholders on sourcing goods and services in accordance with University regulations, as well as maintaining accurate documentation of procedures.
The position involves regular interaction with academic, technical, administrative staff, and students, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multiple stakeholder groups. The University promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Candidates must also meet eligibility requirements to live and work in the United Kingdom.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should be educated to at least A-level standard or possess equivalent practical experience.
Required expertise/skills
Candidates should have experience working in a busy purchasing or finance environment within a large organization. Strong numeracy skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and experience working with multiple stakeholders are essential. The role requires the ability to manage financial or procurement controls, prioritize workload effectively, and provide accurate and timely responses to requests. Experience with procurement systems and reporting tools is desirable.
Salary details
£27,319 – £31,236 per annum
Application Deadline
19 April 2026