At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for a diverse property estate at Imperial College London.
- Company: Join a world-leading university known for its impact in STEM fields.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Other info: Influential role with opportunities for career growth and team development.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies that drive value and performance in a complex environment.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial leadership and experience in strategic procurement 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 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. This is an outstanding opportunity to play a central role in shaping Imperial’s procurement strategy across a broader ray of functions.
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 employer: MRG Global
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering the chance to lead procurement strategy within a prestigious institution renowned for its commitment to science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business. Located at the vibrant White City Campus, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking environment where your contributions will have a meaningful impact on one of the UK's most ambitious university estates.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category
✨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 university’s procurement strategies and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how you can contribute to their ambitious goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from the interview that resonated with you. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining our team at Imperial College London.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Category role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in maintenance and hard FM, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your commercial leadership and strategic procurement skills.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations in your previous jobs. We want to see your ability to influence and lead!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Imperial College London.
How to prepare for a job interview at MRG Global
✨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 supplier relationships.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders you might work with at Imperial. Think about how you can effectively manage complex relationships and provide expert commercial guidance to ensure alignment with their needs.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to discuss how you’ve driven operational efficiency and continuous improvement in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you’ve implemented best practices in contract and supplier relationship management.
