At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier management for STEM operational needs.
- Company: UCL, a world-leading university committed to research excellence.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and employee support services.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and make a real impact in academia.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research while driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, supplier management, and strategic sourcing.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 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.
About the role
We're looking for an experienced Category Manager to join our STEM Opex and Marketplace team. This is a highly visible role that combines commercial leadership, supplier management, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. You’ll take ownership of a portfolio of key STEM operational and eMarketplace suppliers, leading commercial negotiations, managing supplier performance, and ensuring robust contract compliance. Working closely with colleagues across Procurement, Finance, and academic departments, you’ll help deliver value, improve service quality, and support UCL’s wider strategic objectives. You’ll also play a key role in shaping the future of our eMarketplace service, driving initiatives such as supplier onboarding, E‑Stores development, sustainability improvements, and process optimisation. Alongside this, you’ll provide guidance and mentoring to junior colleagues, helping to build capability and strengthen operational resilience across the team.
About you
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.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits, some of which are listed below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday, 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
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) - Opex in London employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
At the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ample networking opportunities with leading experts in academia and industry, as well as our generous benefits package, including 41 days of holiday and a defined benefit pension scheme. Join us in our mission to advance materials research and make a meaningful impact in the field of biosensing technology, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager (STEM) - Opex in London
✨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 UK Dementia Research Institute.
✨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 Category Manager (STEM) - Opex in London
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 UK Dementia Research Institute:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to UK Dementia Research Institute. 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 UK Dementia Research Institute.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨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 UK Dementia Research Institute!
✨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 UK Dementia Research Institute. 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 UK Dementia Research Institute's culture.
