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- Tasks: Lead procurement for cutting-edge STEM resources and drive sustainability initiatives.
- 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 research and teaching in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and excellent negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.
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 employer: University College London
Contact Detail:
University College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨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 friends or mentors to sharpen your approach and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement experience and how it aligns with UCL's mission to support STEM departments. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, share examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in procurement. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to think on their feet and deliver smart solutions, so don’t hold back!
Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves managing significant spend, it's crucial to showcase your data-driven mindset. Include any relevant metrics or achievements that illustrate your impact in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on making 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 Mission
Familiarise yourself with UCL's goals, especially in relation to STEM and sustainability. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about how your work can contribute to world-class research and teaching.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in procurement. Think of scenarios where you had to adapt quickly or solve complex problems, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves collaborating with a variety of stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated and worked with different teams in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and drive cross-university initiatives.
