At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement transformation and develop high-performing teams to drive organisational success.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Generous benefits package, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital organisation while shaping the future of procurement.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience and proven success in procurement transformation.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Directorate: Finance, Governance and Assurance
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Location: Redman Place, Stratford. Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Closing date: 17 August 2026
Recruitment Process: Two-stage interview process plus Leadership Profiling via Saville Assessment
Visa sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this vacancy. If this applies to you, please ensure that this is clearly marked on your application.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We're looking for an exceptional senior leader to join Cancer Research UK as our Director of Procurement and Property. This is a rare opportunity to lead the transformation of procurement across one of the UK's largest charities. Reporting to the CFO, you'll play a pivotal role in modernising procurement capability, delivering a significant commercial and technology roadmap, and establishing procurement as a strategic enabler of organisational performance.
What will I be doing?
- Lead the development and delivery of an integrated procurement and property strategy.
- Drive procurement transformation, technology adoption, AI-enabled solutions and process improvement.
- Act as the organisation's senior commercial adviser to Executive and Board stakeholders.
- Lead complex supplier negotiations and strategic supplier partnerships.
- Develop high-performing procurement and property teams.
- Oversee property, estates, facilities and capital investment programmes.
What are we looking for?
- Significant leadership experience in a complex organisation, ideally £500m+.
- Proven success leading procurement transformation, technology implementation and commercial change.
- Strong strategic capability with Executive and Board-level influence.
- Experience developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
- Outstanding stakeholder management and supplier negotiation skills.
- Property, estates or facilities leadership experience; CIPS advantageous.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
- Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. Please note that applications can’t be edited once submitted.
There’s a place for everyone at Cancer Research UK. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner. If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you. We don’t expect everyone to meet all of the criteria listed. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen by emailing us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk. Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Director of Procurement and Property employer: Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stratford, London, where you can make a meaningful impact on health partnerships. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package that supports a healthy work/life balance, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Procurement and Property
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Cancer Research UK.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Procurement and Property
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Cancer Research UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Cancer Research UK. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Cancer Research UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Cancer Research UK!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Cancer Research UK. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Cancer Research UK's culture.
