At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for STEM projects, driving sustainability and innovation at UCL.
- Company: UCL, a leading university committed to enhancing STEM education and research.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and employee support services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on STEM environments while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and excellent negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and cross-university initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
UCL is entering a major phase of investment, supporting equipment purchases for new builds, refurbishments, and enhancing STEM teaching spaces—while accelerating sustainability with bold new ideas. In STEM alone, the team manages c. £M of spend. You’ll be at the heart of this, influencing how UCL invests its funding to maximise value, boost research capability, and build resilient, future-focused STEM environments. You’ll work closely with academics, technical teams, sustainability specialists, and suppliers to deliver smart, agile procurement solutions.
That means:
- Running quick-turnaround sourcing exercises
- Supplier Negotiations to ensure value for money
- Advising on routes to market
- Supporting contract implementation
- Driving supplier performance
Beyond your portfolio, you’ll lead cross-university initiatives: introducing new technologies, pioneering sustainable procurement approaches, and streamlining processes. Your work will be visible and lasting—upgraded labs, new equipment, reliable consumables supply, and stronger, greener STEM operations.
You’re commercially sharp, energetic, and motivated by impact. You thrive in complex environments, love solving problems, and enjoy collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders—from academics and researchers to operational teams and suppliers. You bring:
- Strong procurement experience
- Excellent organisation and a data-driven mindset
- Confidence managing sourcing end-to-end
- Skill in negotiations and supplier performance management
- Flexibility to adapt quickly across categories and challenges
A STEM background isn’t essential—what matters is your procurement expertise, commercial insight, and ability to deliver results.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Category Manager (STEM) in London employer: UCL Eastman Dental Institute
Contact Detail:
UCL Eastman Dental Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager (STEM) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at UCL or in similar roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UCL’s recent projects and sustainability initiatives. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves supplier negotiations, think of scenarios where you can demonstrate your ability to secure value for money. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the UCL team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager (STEM) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement experience and how it aligns with UCL's goals in STEM. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your negotiation prowess and data-driven mindset. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges head-on.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and motivations shine through without unnecessary fluff. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL Eastman Dental Institute
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around sourcing and supplier negotiations. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed sourcing end-to-end or driven supplier performance.
✨Show Off Your Data Skills
Since a data-driven mindset is key for this role, prepare to talk about how you've used data in your previous roles. Bring examples of how you've analysed data to make informed decisions or improve processes—this will show that you can handle the complexities of the role.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This position involves working with a variety of stakeholders, so be prepared to share how you've effectively collaborated with different teams in the past. Highlight any cross-functional projects you've led or been part of, and how you navigated challenges to achieve results.
✨Be Ready for Sustainability Talk
With UCL's focus on sustainability, it’s important to demonstrate your understanding of sustainable procurement practices. Think of examples where you've introduced new technologies or sustainable approaches in your previous roles, and be ready to discuss how you can bring that expertise to UCL.