A new era for procurement at Manchester
25 Sep 2026
What this means and why it matters
Procurement at Manchester is changing.
We’re transforming our team, our processes and our systems, with the aim of making commercial and procurement activity easier and more consistent for colleagues. Our new procurement policy sets out clear principles and expectations for buying at Manchester, supported by a new policy crib sheet that gives colleagues the simple, practical steps they need to follow.
We’re also changing our name from Central Procurement Office to Commercial & Procurement Services (CPS), reflecting our broader role in helping colleagues make good commercial decisions, achieve better value from University spending and manage our suppliers effectively.
Other key changes to know about
- Earlier commercial support – working with colleagues sooner to help shape requirements, explore the market and identify the most appropriate route forward.
- A clearer service offer – our new Customer Charter sets out what colleagues can expect from CPS and how we can work together to achieve better outcomes.
- Better management of our suppliers and contracts – supporting colleagues beyond the initial purchase, with greater focus on supplier performance, value, risk, renewals and continuous improvement.
The changes directly support From Manchester, for the world, with our ambition to build a more financially sustainable University and create simpler, more consistent ways of working. CPS will help colleagues make informed commercial decisions, get greater value from University spending, and manage suppliers and contracts more effectively.
We’re also a key stakeholder in Future Foundations, using the capabilities within Oracle Fusion to simplify procurement processes and make it easier for colleagues to buy goods and services.
Find out more
- Planning on buying something, approaching a contract renewal or simply aren’t sure where to start? Get in touch with us here.
- Access our new Procurement Policy, use the Procurement Policy Crib Sheet, explore our Customer Charter and access further guidance through our StaffNet pages.
- If useful for your team, we can also join a team meeting or arrange a short briefing.