Company Description
At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.
Job Description
Introduction
Are you an experienced Procurement Officer looking for an exciting opportunity in a high-tech, international environment? If so, we invite you to take part in the activities related to CERN's procurement of supplies and software and contribute to our mission!
You will join the Procurement and Industrial Services Group (PI), which is responsible for procuring all supplies and services for the Organisation, ensuring that the specified and contractual technical, delivery and performance requirements are met at the lowest possible overall cost whilst achieving balanced industrial returns for CERN Member States and respecting CERN's Procurement Rules. The Group monitors and reports procurement activities and statistics to CERN Management and Member State representatives.
Functions
As a Procurement Officer, you will be involved in a full range of activities related to the Organisation's procurement of supplies, services and utilities.
You will:
- Advise and support the Organisation in identifying procurement strategies ensuring cost efficiency and quality;
- Carry out research to identify and participate in the qualification of potential suppliers;
- Prepare price enquiries, market surveys and invitations to tender in accordance with the Organisation's Procurement Rules and on an international basis;
- Analyse offers, prepare proposals for adjudications and submit these to CERN’s Management;
- Ensure the preparation, negotiation and follow-up of numerous orders and contracts;
- Contribute to the advancement of CERN's procurement techniques and tools, influencing their modernisation and optimisation;
- Foster and sustain a wide-ranging network of relationships across diverse levels, both internally and externally, while actively representing CERN in global business events.
Qualifications
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of engineering, economics, purchasing, law or a related field.
Experience:
Required:
- Strong experience in procurement processes, with a strong understanding of source-to-contract processes and procurement systems;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders;
- Demonstrated experience in driving change in a complex environment.
Desirable:
- Experience in public procurement;
- Familiarity with large scale purchasing of electricity or similar utilities.
Technical competencies:
- Definition of tendering and contracting strategies;
- Search and selection of suppliers and service contract providers: negotiating with external suppliers and service contract providers;
- Drafting of commercial documents for a supply or a service contract;
- Reviewing and providing advice on technical specifications in high technical fields;
- Following-up and managing complex contracts from a commercial and contractual point of view.
Behavioural competencies:
- Achieving results:
- following through on new ideas and innovations;
- planning and implementing application;
- having a structured and organised approach towards work;
- being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
- Communicating effectively:
- expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner;
- keeping to the point;
- utilising effective negotiation techniques to achieve long-term results acceptable to all parties involved;
- delivering presentations in a structured and clear way;
- adjusting style and content to the audience;
- responding calmly and confidently to questions.
- Demonstrating flexibility:
- demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations;
- being able to demonstrate flexibility whilst abiding by all applicable rules.
- Managing self:
- taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen;
- projecting self-confidence when presenting ideas, proposals and opinions.
- Solving problems:
- finding the information needed to solve problems;
- making objective judgements based on all the facts available;
- anticipating obstacles;
- assessing alternative solutions in order to have a fall-back plan.
Language skills:
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Additional Information
Eligibility and closing date:
Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.
This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 13.08.2025 at 23:59 CEST.
Employment Conditions
Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
Job grade: 6-7
Job reference: IPT-PI-2025-147-LD
Benchmark Job Title: Procurement Professional