Visa Sponsorship Available (Skilled Worker Route)
Employer: University of the West of Scotland
Location: Paisley, Scotland
Employment Type: Full-Time (35 hours per week)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £73,709 – £82,533 per annum (SS1 Scale)
Closing Date: Thursday 19th March 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing Monday 30th March 2026
Visa Sponsorship: May be eligible under the Skilled Worker route
If you’re a senior procurement professional looking to relocate abroad, this is a strong visa sponsorship opportunity with one of Scotland’s leading modern universities.
The Role – Head of Procurement
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is seeking an experienced and strategic procurement leader to head its Procurement function within the Finance Department.
You will:
- Lead and shape procurement strategy, culture, and service delivery across the University
- Develop and implement compliant procurement policies and procedures
- Deliver value for money and savings on non-pay expenditure
- Provide expert procurement advice to senior leadership and governing bodies
- Lead and manage a central procurement team
- Support Schools and Departments across the full end-to-end procurement function
- Oversee tendering, contract management, and integrated purchasing systems
- Drive continuous improvement and change in procurement processes
This is a senior leadership role with direct impact on institutional strategy and financial performance.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)
- Extensive post-CIPS senior purchasing experience within a large, complex organisation
- Proven experience leading procurement transformation and change
- Strong leadership and team management capability
- Expertise in procurement strategy, policy, and process development
- Experience supporting Executive or Governing Board decision-making
- Tendering and contract management experience
- Knowledge of integrated purchasing systems
- Commodity-based purchasing experience
- Strong negotiation skills
- Contract law knowledge, including EU procurement legislation and regulations
About the University of the West of Scotland
UWS is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities, with multiple campuses across the country and a London campus. It is ranked in the Top 200 Young Universities worldwide (Times Higher Education 2024).
The university is known for:
- Strong industry engagement
- Practical, career-focused degrees
- Research and innovation impact
- A supportive and inclusive work culture
UWS is a registered Scottish charity (SC002520) and a Disability Confident employer, committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Benefits Package
UWS offers a competitive and supportive employment package including:
- 24 days annual leave + 12 public/university holidays
- Additional birthday leave
- Defined benefit pension scheme (with death in service benefits)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Employee discount scheme (3,500+ retailers)
- Campus fitness facilities
- Occupational health and wellbeing support
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Professional and career development opportunities
Visa Sponsorship Information
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route.
Applicants requiring sponsorship must:
- Meet UK Home Office eligibility criteria
- Satisfy salary and skill thresholds
- Ensure individual eligibility prior to applying
Candidates are encouraged to review Skilled Worker requirements before submitting an application.
Important Notes
- Appointment will normally be made at the first point of the salary scale (unless exceptional evidence is provided).
- The University reserves the right to close or extend the vacancy depending on application volume.
- Early application is strongly encouraged.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply via the University’s official careers portal before the closing date.
