At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for scientific equipment and support world-class research at UCL.
- Company: UCL, a leading global university committed to innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on groundbreaking research while developing your procurement expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
At UCL, procurement is about far more than purchasing goods and services. It is about enabling world-leading research, supporting academic excellence and helping solve some of society’s biggest challenges. As one of the world's leading universities, UCL invests significantly in cutting-edge scientific equipment, specialist laboratory infrastructure and research environments that support discovery across science, engineering, medicine and technology. Our STEM Commercial team manages approximately £120m of annual expenditure and plays a critical role in ensuring researchers have access to the equipment, services and supplier partnerships they need to deliver exceptional outcomes. We are transforming the way commercial and procurement services support research, combining commercial excellence, sustainability and innovation to maximise the value of every pound invested. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing team at the centre of that ambition.
As STEM Category Manager, you will directly influence how UCL invests in its research capability. You will lead strategic sourcing activity across a diverse portfolio of scientific equipment, laboratory infrastructure, specialist services and research-related spend, helping shape the future of research across one of the world's leading universities. You will work closely with senior academics, researchers and professional services colleagues to develop category strategies, lead complex commercial projects and negotiate with specialist suppliers operating in highly technical markets. The role offers significant autonomy and visibility. You will manage high-value procurement activity from strategy through to implementation, using data, market insight and commercial expertise to deliver value, strengthen supplier relationships and support UCL's long-term ambitions. From enabling new laboratory facilities to supporting major research programmes, the impact of your work will be visible across the institution and beyond.
You are a commercially minded procurement professional who enjoys solving complex challenges and influencing meaningful outcomes. You may already be working as a Category Manager, Senior Buyer, Strategic Procurement Manager or Commercial Manager within higher education, healthcare, research, scientific, engineering or other complex environments. Most importantly, you understand how to balance commercial rigour with stakeholder needs and can build credibility with both suppliers and senior decision-makers. You will bring experience of leading strategic sourcing activity, negotiating complex contracts and managing supplier relationships that deliver measurable value. You are comfortable analysing data, developing business cases and translating commercial insight into practical action. You thrive in environments where no two projects are the same, enjoy working with highly engaged stakeholders and are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than commercial outcomes alone. If you are looking for a role where your expertise can directly support world-leading research and innovation, we would love to hear from you.
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
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
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; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Category Manager - STEM Equipment in London employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and excellence in research, providing a dynamic work environment where procurement professionals can make a significant impact on world-leading scientific advancements. With generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and a commitment to equality and diversity, UCL fosters a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration among its talented workforce. Join us in shaping the future of research while enjoying a fulfilling career at one of the world's foremost universities.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - STEM Equipment in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those at UCL or similar institutions. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into UCL's recent projects and initiatives. Show them you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their mission of supporting world-leading research.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate complex contracts. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - STEM Equipment 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 experience in procurement, especially in STEM fields, and how it aligns with UCL's mission to support world-leading research.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve influenced outcomes in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the value you’ve delivered through strategic sourcing and supplier management.
Research UCL and Its Values:Familiarise yourself with UCL’s goals and values, particularly around innovation and sustainability. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences can contribute to their mission during the application process.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specifics of the STEM equipment and procurement processes. Brush up on recent trends in scientific research and how they impact purchasing decisions. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to UCL's goals.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've successfully balanced stakeholder needs with commercial outcomes. Be ready to discuss how you approach complex contracts and supplier relationships, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with senior academics and researchers. Prepare to discuss your strategies for engaging with diverse stakeholders and how you can influence their needs while delivering value.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to talk about how you use data and market insights to inform your procurement strategies. Bring examples of how you've analysed data to develop business cases that led to successful outcomes in previous roles.
