Purchasing Assistant

University of Cambridge - Department of Physics

Placed On: 24th March 2026 | Closes: 19th April 2026 | Job Ref: KA49172

The Department of Physics is undergoing a period of exciting change after the move to our new Ray Dolby Centre. The new facility is designed to match the most exacting standards of current research, serving the educational needs of future generations of undergraduate and graduate students.

We are seeking a Purchasing assistant to join the department's Finance Team as part of a refreshed core structure for purchasing in the department. You will undertake a range of purchasing and procurement duties within the Department's Finance Office following University policy and procedures and best practice.

Reporting to a Purchasing Administrator in the team, the role-holder will ensure that all purchasing adheres to best practice and guidelines issued by the University Procurement Service, in particular obtaining best value for the University whilst maintaining awareness of sustainability goals.

The successful candidate will be able communicate and work effectively with multiple stakeholder groups to deliver efficient ways to source goods and services for the wide range of activities undertaken by the department. They will be confident and experienced in providing accurate and timely response to customer requests.

You will be educated to at least A level standard or with equivalent level of practical experience. The role involves day-to-day contact with academic, technical and administrative staff and students and requires the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.

The Role:

• Work as part of a team of buyers to process purchasing transactions on CUFS, the University's finance system
• Handle incoming queries on purchasing and related matters
• Preparing activity and spend reports using tools including CUFS and COGNOS, and identify opportunities to improve workflow
• Provide guidance and assistance to stakeholders sourcing goods and services in line with best practice and University regulations, maintain documentation covering local procedures

Your Skills

• Have experience of working in a busy purchasing or finance function within a large organisation.
• Confident and experienced in working on projects with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Highly numerate and have good oral and written communication skills.
• Skilled in dealing with financial or procurement controls and able to prioritise your own workload.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be sent to Niall Taylor, Procurement Manager.

Please quote reference KA49172 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.