At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for a diverse property estate at a world-class university.
- Company: Imperial College London, a leading institution in STEM fields.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to diversity, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a senior leadership team dedicated to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape impactful procurement strategies and work on complex projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial leadership and experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 78000 € per year.
Imperial College London is seeking a Head of Category to play a leading role within its Real Estate Team, based at the White City Campus in London. This is an opportunity to shape procurement strategy across one of the UK’s most complex and ambitious university estates, with over 500,000 sqm spanning academic, research, commercial, residential and investment assets.
The Head of Category will lead a broad procurement portfolio spanning maintenance and hard FM, soft FM, property, and construction, with a primary focus on maintenance and hard FM activity. The postholder will shape and deliver category strategies that drive value, performance, and compliance across the University’s diverse property estate.
A major early priority will be the re‑procurement of the hard FM provider for the non‑residential estate, requiring strong commercial leadership, market insight, and the ability to run complex strategic procurement exercises. Soft FM will form the next key area of focus, followed by construction, supported by an already strong Category Manager in this area.
Working closely with senior stakeholders across Property Services and White City Development, the role will provide expert commercial guidance, lead high‑value end‑to‑end sourcing activity, and oversee best‑practice contract and supplier‑relationship management. The Head of Category will also line‑manage a Category Manager and play a key role on the Procurement Senior Leadership Team, driving excellence, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement across the portfolio.
This is a senior, influential role requiring professional expertise and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, while also leading and developing professionally qualified team members and external advisers.
Imperial is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We are proud to be an Athena SWAN Bronze Award holder, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, and a Disability Confident Employer.
Head of Category (Property Services Division) in City of London employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the prestigious White City Campus in London. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from a culture that fosters professional growth and collaboration across various disciplines. The role of Head of Category not only provides the opportunity to influence procurement strategies within one of the UK's most complex university estates but also allows for meaningful contributions to a world-leading institution dedicated to scientific advancement and societal impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category (Property Services Division) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Imperial College London. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their procurement strategies and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and come armed with examples of your past successes!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Category position at Imperial. Keep it friendly and professional!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category (Property Services Division) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Category role. Highlight your experience in procurement strategy, especially in maintenance and hard FM, as this is key for us at Imperial College London.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led teams and managed complex stakeholder relationships in the past. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive excellence and operational efficiency.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your relevant experience and achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Make sure you brush up on the latest procurement strategies, especially in maintenance and hard FM. Be ready to discuss how you would shape and deliver category strategies that drive value and performance across a complex estate like Imperial's.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires managing complex stakeholder relationships. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated these dynamics, demonstrating your ability to lead and influence senior stakeholders effectively.
✨Demonstrate Market Insight
Imperial is looking for someone with strong commercial leadership and market insight. Research current trends in property services and be prepared to discuss how these could impact procurement decisions at the university.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
As you'll be line-managing a Category Manager and working within a senior leadership team, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Share specific instances where you've developed team members or led successful projects, showcasing your ability to drive excellence and operational efficiency.
