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: Opportunity to influence and develop a high-performing team in a dynamic setting.
- 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 in London employer: MRG Global
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering the chance to lead procurement strategy within a world-renowned institution at the vibrant White City Campus. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. The role of Head of Category not only provides the opportunity to influence significant projects but also to collaborate with senior stakeholders in a dynamic environment that values innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Imperial College London on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in procurement and facilities management. We want to impress them with our knowledge of the industry and how we can bring value to their complex estate.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership skills! Think of examples where we've successfully managed teams or projects. They’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire, so let’s highlight those experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to align perfectly with what they’re looking for in the Head of Category role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category in London
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 role. Use specific examples from your past experiences 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 roles. 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 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 Continuous Improvement
Imperial is looking for someone who drives excellence and operational efficiency. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented continuous improvement initiatives in your previous positions and how you plan to do the same in this role.
