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- Tasks: Lead procurement for cutting-edge equipment and facilities in a dynamic academic environment.
- Company: Join UCL's Commercial & Procurement team at a world-class university.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, on-site gym, and enhanced family leave policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on STEM research and teaching while driving sustainability.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and excellent negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join UCL's Commercial & Procurement team and help enable world-class research and teaching. Our team plays a critical role in ensuring UCL's STEM departments have the resources they need to innovate and succeed. We're looking for an ambitious, solutions-driven Category Manager to lead how UCL invests in cutting-edge equipment, consumables, and transformative facilities.
If you're passionate about delivering value, driving efficiency, and supporting ground-breaking academic work, this is your opportunity to make a real impact at one of the world's leading universities.
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. £120M 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
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 in Armagh employer: University College London
Contact Detail:
University College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Armagh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former UCL employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UCL's recent projects and initiatives in STEM. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves supplier negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend to sharpen your approach and build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining UCL and making an impact in the procurement space.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Armagh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for the role! In your application, highlight why you're excited about being a Category Manager at UCL and how you can contribute to world-class research and teaching.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Focus on your procurement experience and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive efficiency and deliver value in complex environments.
Be Specific in Your Examples: When writing your cover letter, use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in negotiations, supplier performance management, and problem-solving. We want to see how you've made an impact before!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a real impact at UCL.
How to prepare for a job interview at University College London
✨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.
✨Understand UCL's Vision
Familiarise yourself with UCL's mission and the role of the Commercial & Procurement team. Show that you understand how your work as a Category Manager can directly impact their STEM departments and contribute to innovative research and teaching.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific procurement challenges. Think about scenarios involving quick-turnaround sourcing exercises or implementing sustainable procurement approaches, and prepare your responses to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your ability to work with diverse stakeholders, from academics to suppliers. Prepare examples that showcase your teamwork and communication skills, as this role requires collaboration across various teams to deliver effective procurement solutions.
