At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement transformation and drive sustainability at a top creative university.
- Company: University of the Arts London, ranked 2nd globally for Art and Design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and discounted medical insurance.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and make a real impact on institutional success.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement in a vibrant, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Senior-level procurement experience and a recognised professional qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Shape the future of procurement at one of the world’s leading creative universities, driving strategic change, sustainability and value at the heart of institutional success. University of the Arts London (UAL) is ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings. It welcomes a diverse body of almost 23,000 students from more than 130 countries. Established in 2004, UAL brings together 6 esteemed Arts, Design, Fashion and Media Colleges, which were founded in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Operating out of expansive offices within the historic Central Saint Martin’s college (less than 10 minutes-walk from Kings Cross Station), this is a vibrant and modern team environment. Core office days for the Procurement team are Tuesdays and Wednesdays and the role also requires regular attendance at other University sites each week to support operational and stakeholder needs.
The Opportunity
The University is seeking an exceptional procurement leader to join the senior Finance leadership team in a pivotal role reporting to the Chief Finance Officer to shape the future of procurement. This is a unique opportunity to reposition procurement as a key enabler of organisational change across one of the world’s foremost creative institutions. You will lead the transformation of procurement into a strategic, value-driving function that underpins UAL’s ambitious goals.
You will:
- Design and deliver an integrated procurement model that enhances efficiency, drives value for money, and embeds sustainability at its core
- Lead the development and delivery of UAL’s Procurement Strategy, aligning with the University’s mission and financial sustainability objectives
- Transform procurement and purchasing functions, simplifying processes and embedding best practice
- Drive measurable improvements in value for money, efficiency, and sustainability outcomes
- Provide expert strategic advice to senior leaders across academic, research, digital, estates and commercial functions
- Lead and inspire a high-performing Procurement Team, delivering excellence in category, contract and supplier management
About You
You are a commercially astute and forward-thinking leader with a passion for transformation and sustainability. You bring:
- A recognised professional qualification (e.g. MCIPS, CCAB or equivalent) with significant senior-level procurement leadership experience
- A strong track record of delivering procurement transformation in large, complex, multi-stakeholder environments
- Deep knowledge of commercial best practice and relevant procurement regulations (including public sector frameworks)
- Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans that deliver value for money and organisational efficiency
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex data into compelling insight
- A collaborative leadership style and the ability to inspire high-performing teams and drive cultural change
Salary and Benefits
The role offers a salary from £90,000 per annum. Benefits include:
- Local Government Pension Scheme (employer contribution is currently 14.9%)
- 34 days a/l (plus bank holidays) and 2 additional days off to participate in volunteer work for a registered charity
- Discounted Medical Insurance including Digital GP service, therapies, in-patient and day-case treatment
Kindly note that all applications must be submitted via Morgan Law. CVs sent directly to University of the Arts, London will not be considered.
Associate Director of Finance – Procurement in London employer: Morgan Law
At the University of the Arts London (UAL), we pride ourselves on being a leading creative institution that fosters innovation and sustainability in procurement. Our vibrant work culture, located in the historic Central Saint Martin’s college, offers employees the chance to shape strategic change while enjoying generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth within a diverse and dynamic team. Join us in making a meaningful impact at one of the world's foremost art and design universities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Finance – Procurement in London
✨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 Morgan Law.
✨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 Associate Director of Finance – Procurement in London
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 Morgan Law:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Morgan Law. 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 Morgan Law.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Law
✨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 Morgan Law!
✨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 Morgan Law. 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 Morgan Law's culture.
