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- Tasks: Drive sustainable procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships in the STEM category.
- Company: UCL, a leading global university dedicated to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and research while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: Commercial or procurement background with experience in contract management and negotiations.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We spend £600 million per year at UCL and are in the process of applying a new sustainable strategic plan to our spend by building a new team. Creating sustainable savings at UCL enables us to spend our funds on teaching the next rocket scientists or finding cures for Alzheimer’s or Cancer, which are some of the activities at the heart of our mission as one of the best universities in the world.
About the role
Please note this role is within the STEMed category. The role of Sub-Category Manager will involve developing a robust sub-category procurement plan which meets the needs of both the category and central commercial drivers (including sustainability). You will be able to impact our divisions aims by prepping negotiation strategies to deliver Value for Money (VfM) commercial arrangements for the category, managing competitions, as well as advising on compliance matters. You will also assess demand on existing contracts and develop transition plans for new suppliers where appropriate. As well as negotiations and new strategies you will also manage the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) process for the sub-category, tailored to identify specific types of suppliers needing slightly different SRM approaches. In addition to this you will provide line manager support where necessary. You will own and drive non-pay saving initiatives across the sub-category, continuously improving business processes across the category and faculties, putting in place innovative new ways of working. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
About you
The ideal candidate for this role will be commercially astute, with a collaborative approach to working alongside internal stakeholders and external suppliers. You will have a commercial or procurement background and hold a degree (or the equivalent level of experience gained in the work environment) with evidence of delivery and impact across plans, metrics and targets. You should have previously managed small to medium individual tenders, including contract negotiations, SLAs and contract drafting, as well as experience monitoring and assessing supplier performance, whilst keeping information accurate and up to date.
What we offer
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
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
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.
Category Manager (STEM) employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
Contact Detail:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager (STEM)
✨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 that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching UCL’s mission and values. Show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and innovation. We want to see your passion for making an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves prepping negotiation strategies, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform in real situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to UCL’s exciting future.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager (STEM)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Category Manager (STEM). Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your past successes in procurement and supplier management. We want to see how you've delivered value and made an impact in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial metrics and procurement strategies. Brush up on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost savings and supplier performance. Be ready to discuss how you've previously achieved Value for Money (VfM) in your past roles.
✨Showcase Your Sustainability Knowledge
Given the emphasis on sustainable spending at UCL, make sure you can articulate your experience with sustainable procurement practices. Prepare examples of how you've implemented eco-friendly initiatives or worked with suppliers to enhance sustainability in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and negotiation tactics. Think about specific challenges you've faced in managing suppliers or contracts and how you navigated those situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Highlight your communication skills and any strategies you've used to build strong relationships, ensuring everyone is aligned towards common goals.
