Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization 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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

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), responsible for procuring all supplies and services for the Organization. The group ensures that the specified and contractual technical, delivery, and performance requirements are met at the lowest possible overall cost while 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 Organization’s procurement of supplies and/or services, such as:

• Advise and support the Organization in identifying procurement strategies ensuring cost efficiency and quality;
• Carry out research to identify and participate in the qualification of potential suppliers;
• Prepare price inquiries, market surveys and invitations to tender per the Organization’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 modernization and optimization;
• 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 economics, purchasing, law, engineering or a related field.

Experience:

Required:

• Strong experience in procurement processes, with a strong understanding of source-to-contract processes and procurement systems.
• Demonstrated experience in driving change and implementing process improvements in a complex environment.

Desirable:

• Experience in the field of public procurement.

Technical competencies:

• Definition of tendering and contracting strategies
• Search and selection of suppliers and service contract providers
• Specification and follow-up of technical aspects of a contract
• Negotiating with external suppliers and service contract providers
• Drafting of commercial documents for a supply or a service contract: in high-technical domains
• Following-up and managing complex contracts from a commercial and contractual point of view.

Behavioural competencies:

• Managing Self:
  • Taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen;
  • Projecting self-confidence when presenting ideas, proposals and opinions;
• 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;
• Solving Problems:
  • Finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments 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 in professional contexts (level C1 min) as well as the ability to draft texts for publications and/ or official communications and to make oral presentations.

Willingness to learn French is required (courses provided by CERN).

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 Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 27/03/2025 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (3 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-SU-2025-39-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Procurement Professional