About

Smarter Procurement at the University of Cambridge

Simplifying Procurement—So You Can Focus on What Matters

We get it—procurement can feel overwhelming. Endless paperwork, complex rules, and delays that slow you down when all you need are the right tools to get the job done.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. At University of Cambridge Procurement Services, we’re here to make procurement simpler, smarter, and more efficient. Whether you need lab equipment, service contracts, or routine supplies—our streamlined process puts the power back in your hands.

Your time is valuable, and our goal is to ensure procurement works for you, not against you.

Understanding the Procurement Process

Purchasing – The Transactional Side

Purchasing refers to the actual buying process—placing orders, managing invoices, tracking deliveries, and maintaining inventory. If the goods or services you need are readily available, use one of these purchasing options:

University Marketplace (eProcurement Platform) – A quick and efficient way to order approved products.
Preferred Suppliers & Framework Agreements – Pre-negotiated contracts ensuring value, quality, and compliance.

Procurement – The Strategic Approach

Procurement goes beyond purchasing—it’s about planning, selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships. It ensures the University gets the right goods and services at the right time, price, and quality, while managing costs, reducing risk, and supporting sustainability.

We organise procurement into four main categories:

Laboratory & Medical
Information Technology
Estates & Facilities Management
Professional Services

By strategically managing these categories, we identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency, and sustainability.

What Happens Next?

Procurement follows a structured process—from identifying a need to contract completion. Whether you’re new to procurement or only involved occasionally, we provide step-by-step guidance, including:

✅ Process overviews
✅ Detailed guidance
✅ Templates & examples
✅ Sustainability considerations

Need support?

We’re here to help. If you have any questions at any stage, reach out to us at procurement@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Let’s make procurement work better—together.