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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies to support cancer research and ensure value for money.
- Company: The Institute of Cancer Research is a leading global cancer research institute with over 100 years of impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, exclusive staff benefits, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real difference in cancer research while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Significant category management experience and a professional procurement qualification are essential.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Key Information
- Salary: £85,000 per annum
- Hours per week: 35 hours per week
- Location: Working across both Chelsea and Sutton sites, this role is eligible for hybrid working.
We reserve the right depending on application numbers to close or extend the closing dates for positions, we would therefore recommend an early application.
Job Details
As Head of Procurement, you will lead the provision of sustainable, best-practice arrangements for the procurement of goods and services, and the delivery of value for money in the pursuit of the ICR’s research mission. You will be responsible for leading the procurement service across the ICR, incorporating strategic category management, sustainable procurement practice, and operational procurement support. You will work with senior internal and external stakeholders to ensure best value is achieved whilst complying with legislative requirements. This will involve leading on the development and implementation of procurement policies and systems, and developing a business partnering approach to category management to embed best practice within areas of key expenditure.
Key Requirements
The successful candidate must have significant category management experience within a complex organisation with significant capital expenditure requirements. They will hold a professional procurement qualification (MCIPS or equivalent), and have excellent interpersonal skills, able to build strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and to negotiate and influence outcomes that promote the ICR's commercial interests. They will also have strong systems and data skills, able to take an analytical, data-driven approach to driving value in the ICR's supply chain.
Department/Directorate Information
The Procurement team supports the ICR in a wide range of products and services – from specialist lab equipment to laptops, stationery, support from design agencies and travel. We help all divisions and directorates with their buying needs.
We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. We welcome applications from individuals seeking a job share arrangement for this role.
For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Liam Blake (email).
About The Institute Of Cancer Research
Why work for us? As a member of staff, you'll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits. The ICR is committed to supporting overseas applicants applying for roles. The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here.
At the Institute of Cancer Research, we champion diversity as we believe it fuels innovation and drives impactful research. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work. Don't let a checklist of qualifications hold you back – if you're passionate about the role, we want to hear from you. Your unique experiences and backgrounds contribute to the richness of our team. We are committed to being an equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries: Research Services
Head of Procurement employer: The Institute Of Cancer Research
Contact Detail:
The Institute Of Cancer Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Institute of Cancer Research's mission and values. Understanding their focus on sustainable procurement and value for money will help you align your experience and ideas with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in research institutions. Engaging with them can provide insights into the specific challenges and expectations of the role, which you can leverage in conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your category management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented procurement strategies that resulted in cost savings or improved efficiency in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships. Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, demonstrating your capacity to negotiate and influence outcomes will be crucial during any informal discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Procurement position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in category management and procurement practices.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your significant category management experience within complex organisations. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led procurement initiatives and achieved value for money.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills: Given the importance of building relationships with stakeholders, include examples that demonstrate your excellent interpersonal skills. Mention any successful negotiations or collaborations that have positively impacted your previous organisations.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role at The Institute of Cancer Research. Use keywords from the job description, such as 'sustainable procurement' and 'data-driven approach', to align your application with their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Institute Of Cancer Research
✨Showcase Your Category Management Experience
As the Head of Procurement, you'll need to demonstrate significant category management experience. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you successfully managed complex procurement processes and achieved value for money.
✨Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal skills are crucial for this role. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with stakeholders in previous positions, and provide examples of how you've negotiated and influenced outcomes to benefit your organisation.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
The role requires a data-driven approach to procurement. Prepare to discuss how you've used data and systems to drive value in your previous roles. Bring examples of reports or analyses you've conducted that led to improved procurement strategies.
✨Understand Sustainable Procurement Practices
Sustainability is key in this position. Familiarise yourself with best practices in sustainable procurement and be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these in your past roles, as well as your vision for promoting sustainability at The Institute of Cancer Research.
