Head of Procurement and Accounts Payable in London

UPP is the UK's leading provider of on-campus residential and academic accommodation infrastructure, operating across a diverse portfolio of university partnerships.

Our procurement team plays a vital role in supporting our UK-wide estate, strengthening operational resilience and ensuring we deliver sustainable value for our university partners and student residents.

We are looking for a Head of Procurement and Accounts Payable to lead UPP’s end-to-pay function, driving our purchase-to-pay strategy across an annual third-party spend portfolio of approximately £60m.

As a member of the CFO leadership team, you will shape and deliver UPP’s procurement strategy, strengthen commercial and financial controls, and ensure our sourcing, contracting and payment activities deliver measurable value, service improvement and positive ESG outcomes.

You will provide visible leadership across the Procurement and Accounts Payable teams, while building trusted relationships with senior leaders, budget holders and operational teams across the business.

This role is based at our award-winning London office near London Bridge, Cannon Street and Monument stations and offers hybrid working with 3 days a week in the office.

Some travel and overnight stays may be required.

Key responsibilities will include

• Design and deliver a UK-wide procurement strategy that leverages our c.£60m third-party spend to drive commercial value, cost efficiencies and economies of scale.
• Lead category management across Hard FM, Soft FM, corporate services and directly procured utilities.
• Develop robust category strategies, specifications, KPIs and SLAs aligned with operational requirements and business priorities.
• Lead high-value RFP and tender processes, delivering effective commercial negotiations, risk mitigation and long-term value.
• Strengthen supplier relationship management through performance scorecards, market intelligence, risk management and collaborative supplier partnerships.
• Oversee energy procurement arrangements and broker performance, using market, consumption, cost and procurement data to support Energy and ESG decision-making.
• Integrate ethical sourcing, local supply chains and green initiatives into procurement decisions, supporting UPP’s sustainability commitments.
• Lead and develop the Procurement and Accounts Payable teams, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the purchase-to-pay process, strengthening controls and improving the efficiency and accuracy of Accounts Payable operations.
• Use digital tools, automation and management information to improve processes and provide clear, data-led commercial insight.
• Act as a strategic partner to the CFO and senior stakeholders, providing advice on spend, savings opportunities and supply chain risk.
• Ensure procurement activity complies with internal policies, delegated authorities, governance expectations and relevant regulatory requirements.
• We are looking for you to have
• Experience managing a significant third-party spend portfolio within a complex, multi-site organisation.
• A strong track record of delivering measurable savings, cost avoidance and commercial improvement.
• Proven experience leading strategic sourcing, category management, tendering and commercial negotiations.
• Experience procuring utilities, managing energy broker relationships and using market and cost data to inform senior decision-making.
• The ability to transform procurement, Accounts Payable and purchase-to-pay capability through improved processes, technology and automation.
• Strong knowledge of procurement governance, controls and UK procurement requirements.
• Excellent commercial judgement, analytical capability and negotiation skills.
• Confidence influencing senior stakeholders and translating complex information into clear recommendations.
• Strong people leadership experience, with the ability to develop capable, accountable and high-performing teams.
• A CIPS or equivalent professional qualification.

Alongside your technical expertise, you will be a credible and commercially focused leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.

You will be comfortable driving change, constructively challenging existing ways of working and building confidence in Procurement and Accounts Payable across the organisation.

• In return
• competitive salary
• a discretionary performance bonus
• 29 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• private healthcare
• pension
• enhanced family leave
• life assurance
• training
• two paid volunteering or personal development days
• a cycle-to-work scheme

UPP welcomes all applications and recognises the value of having a diverse and inclusive culture that reflects the communities we work with and positively impacts our people, student residents and university partners.

We understand that all disabilities, impairments and conditions are unique, so please let us know about any adjustments that would support you through our recruitment process and help you thrive at work.

Our core values of Innovation, Sustainability, Community, Partnership and Respect are fundamental to our culture and reflect what is important to our business and our people.