At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage commercial contracts for UCL's Estates Development.
- Company: UCL, London's leading multidisciplinary university with a global reputation.
- Benefits: 41 days of holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on UCL's ambitious Estates Development portfolio.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior procurement and commercial leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
UCL is London's leading multidisciplinary university, home to more than 18,000 staff and 51,000 students from over 150 countries. Alongside our global reputation for teaching and research, UCL operates at significant commercial scale, spending more than £900 million each year with third-party suppliers. Our Commercial & Procurement function is focused on building an optimal, high-performing supply chain that delivers value for UCL while supporting our Sustainable Procurement Strategy and wider strategic ambitions.
Through more effective sourcing, supplier management and demand management, the team plays an important role in ensuring UCL can continue to invest in its estate, people, research and long-term 2034 strategy.
About the role: We are looking for an experienced Head of Category - Estates Development to provide senior commercial and procurement leadership across UCL's Estates Development portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Supply Chain - Estates Development and leading a team of three Category Managers, you will take ownership of procurement and commercial contract management activity across the category. You will develop and deliver procurement strategies, lead large-scale tenders and complex negotiations, and ensure UCL secures robust commercial arrangements that deliver tangible value for money.
You will work closely with Faculties, Departments and senior stakeholders to understand their priorities and translate these into effective commercial solutions. You will lead supplier relationship management, drive non-pay savings and identify opportunities to improve processes, introduce new ways of working and strengthen commercial performance. As a senior member of the Commercial function, you will also make a significant contribution to the Commercial Leadership Team, helping shape three-year plans and driving their successful delivery. This is a senior and specialist role. Salary is likely to be £75,000-£95,000.
About you: You will be an established senior procurement and commercial leader with significant experience of delivering complex, large-scale commercial solutions. You will have a strong track record of developing and implementing robust procurement and contracting strategies and operating successfully within a large, complex organisation. Strong leadership will be essential. You will have experience of building and developing high-performing teams and of leading transformation and change. Commercially astute and an expert negotiator, you will be able to identify opportunities, build compelling cases for change and translate these into successful outcomes. You will also be a credible and influential communicator, comfortable building relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels. Collaborative and evidence-led in your approach, you will combine strategic thinking with the ability to deliver, bringing the commercial leadership needed to support a complex and ambitious Estates Development portfolio.
What we offer: Alongside the exciting opportunity this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days of 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
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Head of Category - Esates Development employer: UCL
UCL School of Management is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, ideal for those passionate about digital communications. Located in the vibrant city of London, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, access to cutting-edge resources, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category - Esates Development
✨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 UCL.
✨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 Head of Category - Esates Development
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 UCL:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to UCL. 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 UCL.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨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 UCL!
✨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 UCL. 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 UCL's culture.
