Procurement Support Officer - £34,183 p.a. + benefits

Job summary

We are currently looking for a Procurement Support Officer to join our Finance Function within the Corporate group.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The core purpose of the Finance Division is to ensure public funds are spent wisely and that the Executive and the Board make informed decisions about costs and investments than bring public value outcomes.

The Finance Division is essential to ensure that the agency discharges its statutory responsibilities and carries out business operations while delivering optimal value from the funding we receive.

The services Finance provides range from Finance Operations, through to Accounting, Reporting and Control, Strategic Finance, Finance Business Partnering and Risk and Assurance.

Role Purpose

• Support the Purchase to Pay (P2P) Manager in the management and processing of procurement transactions, resolving queries from suppliers and business divisions and making sure all queries and complaints are dealt with in a professional and positive way. Key elements of this role comprise training all new users on the procurement processes, processing purchase orders both correctly and promptly and management of the suppliers’ registrations process including approvals, validation and maintenance in accordance with the Finance policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Deal with internal customer queries, providing advice to ensure the appropriate procurement method is applied, resulting in best value for money. The role will support P2P manager in process and working practices improvements in the P2P area with a focus on centralisation, standardisation and automation.
• Demonstrate a high level of technical competence across the P2P function and transaction lifecycle (Purchase Order lifecycle – Requisitioning, Goods Receipting, Matching, Accruals and Payments) and be proactively seeking opportunities to further develop skills in this area.
• Have intermediate IT Skills (good skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and experienced in use of Finance Systems preferably Oracle ERP. The role holder must be enthusiastic, energetic with a proactive approach to work, always seeking ways to improve current procedures and processes (i.e. systems & efficiencies). This role reports directly to the P2P Manager.

Job description

To provide an effective and professional procurement service to meet departmental objectives in compliance with the agency’s Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders.

• E-system Management: The validation and processing of requisitions into purchase orders where the system does not auto-create. Ensuring that they are properly authorised and placed with the appropriate supplier.

• Act as the main point of contact for internal and external customers for general advice and queries regarding the P2P area.

• The management of the supplier approval and validation processes.

• Liaison with suppliers regarding the production and loading of catalogues.

• Interpret the information contained on Requisitions and provide advice to customers on alternative products/suppliers to ensure that the best value for money is obtained.

• Maintain accurate contracts and catalogues on the Oracle system with the support of the team’s procurement Managers.

• Place orders via the Purchase Card where appropriate.

• Represent the P2P Manager and P2P function in projects and meetings when required.

• Work with suppliers and internal customers to investigate and resolve invoice queries promptly to ensure appropriate credits are received and invoices are processed for payment.

• Provide administrative procurement support through provision of data collection, posting of contractual information using procurement e-tools: Contracts Finder, Bravo, Oracle.

• Assist in the operation of the agency eSourcing and contract management system. Maintain constructive relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Development and management of Procurement’s customer focused training programs throughout the Agency.

• Management of procurements Intranet pages and any other internal or external communications.

• Provide the necessary input relating to external audits process as and when required

• Produce accurate ad-hoc reports to contribute to the production of financial returns and documents

The post holder will demonstrate technical competence across the P2P transaction lifecycle (Purchase Order lifecycle – Requisitioning, Goods Receipting, Matching, Accruals and Payments) and be proactively seeking opportunities to further develop skills in this area.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Attention to detail – able to spot errors and correct as required in order to produce reports with high accuracy that stakeholders can trust.
• Ability to consistently work to tight weekly deadlines.
• Experience of using Finance ERP Systems (preferably Oracle Fusion)
• Sound knowledge of a P2P system including analysing/interpreting a PO’s life cycle and raising PO (Lead)
• Experience of planning and conducting training for others on systems and processes
• Experience of applying Finance and Procurement policies, procedures and controls
• An ability to identify and quantify risks and issues and communicate them clearly to managers
• Experience of delivering good customer service and communication skills with the confidence to constructively challenge colleagues, where appropriate.

Qualifications

Minimum GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Excellent IT skills with proven experience in using Microsoft Office applications, such as Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Word and a willingness to develop additional associated IT skills
• Excellent knowledge and experience of Oracle Fusion Procurement Modules including supplier set up and creation, contract purchase agreements, processing of purchase orders

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,183, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £9,902 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays
• Privilege Leave: 1 day
• Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months full pay/five months half pay
• Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
• Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on 0300 123 6666
• Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan
• Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund
• Eligibility to join Motoring , Boundless by CSMA
• Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs
• On-going learning and development

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Remote working is potentially available for some specific roles. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank.
• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of: Sound knowledge of a P2P system including analysing/interpreting a PO’s life cycle and raising PO.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Closing date: 13 September 2026

Shortlisting date: From 14 September 2026

Interview date: w/c 28 September 2026

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.

The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact careers@mhra.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

info@csc.gov.uk

Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1 Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : The Resourcing Team
• Email : Careers@mhra.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Careers@mhra.gov.uk

Further information

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact the Resourcing team at Careers@mhra.gov.uk, in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk - info@csc.gov.uk - Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ

Attachments

2005 - JD Procurement Support Officer NS - Aug 2026 Opens in new window (pdf, 273kB)