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, professional development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a senior team driving excellence and operational efficiency.
- Why this job: Shape impactful procurement strategies in a dynamic and complex environment.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial leadership and experience in strategic procurement.
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) 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 the university's mission of driving world-changing impact through science and technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category (Property Services Division)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Category role. Highlight your experience in procurement strategy and stakeholder management, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Imperial College London and contributing to our ambitious projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category (Property Services Division)
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 will show us you understand the complexities of our estate.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led teams and managed complex stakeholder relationships in the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your commercial leadership and ability to drive performance and compliance.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This helps us quickly grasp your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 at Imperial College London.
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 Commercial Leadership
Prepare examples of your past experiences where you've demonstrated strong commercial leadership. Highlight any complex strategic procurement exercises you've led, particularly in re-procuring services or managing high-value contracts.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
Familiarise yourself with the importance of managing complex stakeholder relationships. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to work closely with senior stakeholders and provide expert commercial guidance in your previous roles.
✨Emphasise Team Development
As this role involves line-managing a Category Manager, be prepared to discuss your approach to team development. Share your experiences in mentoring and leading teams, and how you’ve fostered continuous improvement in your previous positions.
