At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for a diverse property estate at a world-class university.
- Company: Imperial College London, a leader in STEM education and research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape impactful procurement strategies in a dynamic and ambitious environment.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial leadership and strategic procurement experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € 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 (currently Dalkia) 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.
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 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 innovation and collaboration, alongside opportunities for professional growth within one of the UK's most complex university estates. The role of Head of Category not only allows for impactful contributions to procurement strategy but also provides a platform for leadership and development within a world-leading institution dedicated to scientific advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category (Property Services Division) in London
✨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 values. Understand their procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Head of Category. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership and strategic thinking skills, especially in procurement and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category (Property Services Division) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Category role. Highlight your procurement strategy experience and any leadership roles you've held in similar environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role at Imperial College London and how your background in property services can drive value and performance.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led procurement strategies or improved supplier relationships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in procurement strategies, especially in maintenance and hard FM. Brush up on the latest trends and challenges in property services, as this will show your expertise and readiness to tackle the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your commercial leadership and experience in managing high-value sourcing activities. Think about times when you’ve successfully led a team or project, and be ready to discuss how you can bring that same energy to Imperial College London.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, practice how you would approach these conversations. Be ready to discuss how you would build relationships and provide expert guidance to ensure successful procurement outcomes.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Imperial is all about driving excellence and operational efficiency. Prepare to talk about your experience with continuous improvement initiatives and how you can apply those principles to enhance procurement processes within the Property Services Division.
