A spotlight on procurement

University Procurement Hub (UPH)

Savings through Aggregation. Autonomy in Execution.

The University Procurement Hub (UPH) is a strategic initiative designed to deliver long-term value for participating universities by leveraging collective buying power, fostering supplier engagement, and enhancing procurement capabilities across the sector.

The UPH Model

UPH operates as a flexible and collaborative procurement hub that allows universities to join specific procurement categories based on their individual needs. This approach enables institutions to benefit from large-scale aggregation while maintaining autonomy in their procurement decisions.

Key Benefits of UPH

  • Financial Gains through Aggregation

  • By consolidating spend across multiple institutions, UPH secures enhanced pricing, improved contract terms, and sustainable year-on-year savings.

  • Enhanced Procurement Capability

  • UPH supplements and uplifts university procurement teams by providing external insights, strategic guidance, and access to detailed category strategies.

  • Operational Efficiency

  • Member universities benefit from streamlined contracting processes, a reduction in legal fees, and accelerated procurement timelines.

  • ESG and Sector-Wide Impact

  • UPH supports universities’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives by aligning procurement practices with sustainability and social responsibility goals.

Proven Results

UPH has successfully sourced 24+ procurement categories, addressing $500M in spend and identifying over $70M in savings. Notable procurement wins include:

  • Lab Gases – Achieved 35% savings through market disruption.

  • Overseas Student Health Cover – Delivered financial benefits for universities and direct contributions to student services.

  • Office Supplies & Promo Items – Established an Indigenous supplier panel, strengthening supplier diversity and inclusion.

  • End User Computing & Telecommunications – Secured significant commercial benefits and improved pricing structures.

More than Just Savings

Beyond financial benefits, UPH fosters a collaborative procurement culture that includes:

  • Peer group networking

  • Knowledge sharing in category management

  • Strengthened procurement profiles within universities

  • Improved supplier engagement and strategic relationship management

  • Increased transparency and ease of contracting

Join the UPH

With a track record of success and a growing membership base, UPH continues to drive transformation and innovation in university procurement. Join today and be part of a collective force reshaping procurement across the sector.

FOR GENERAL UPH ENQUIRIES

Please contact the UPH Secretariat

uph@hes.edu.au

Tony Wilson

HES Director Collaboration & UPH Program Committee Chair