An outstanding opportunity for an established Procurement Professional to play a key strategic role, leading on all procurement activity across a large Estates portfolio at one of the UK's most prestigious and globally renowned Universities.
University of the Arts London (UAL) is ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design according in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. It welcomes a diverse body of over 18,000 students from more than 130 countries. Established in 2004, UAL brings together 6 esteemed Arts, Design, Fashion and Media Colleges, which were founded in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Operating out of expansive offices within the historic Central Saint Martin's college (less than 10 minutes-walk from Kings Cross Station), this is a vibrant and modern team environment, with an expectation that colleagues comeinto the office 50% of their time. (Core days tend to be Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
With several construction and refurbishment projects underway across its expansive property portfolio, UAL is looking to bring on board an experienced Procurement Category Manager to lead the Estates category into the next phase of development.
Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will be responsible for providing commercial procurement services across a wide spectrum of Estates related activities including Works projects both small and large scale, FM Hard Services and FM Soft Services. You will ensure that the procurement and supply chain objectives of the department are consistently achieved and are in support of the strategic plan and vision. You will also be required to develop and manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure value for money, and provide technical expertise in advising, guiding, and executing end-to-end procurement processes.
Your profile and background
- Estates, FM, and/or Construction category experience in a Strategic Procurement role.
- Personable and self-motivated with the ability to influence and engage with Senior Stakeholders.
- A commercial mindset and a high degree of specialist knowledge to be able liaise confidently with a broad range of Estates and FM Suppliers.
- Experience working within cross functional teams within a matrix organisation.
- Specialist knowledge of procurement practices, including sourcing, contract management, procurement law, EU/UK procurement directives and PCR 2015/Procurement Act 2023.
- You'll ideally be CIPS qualified or working towards qualification.
Benefits include:
- UAL's commitment to your continuous personal development and training (including supporting CIPS progression) in an environment that encourages excellence, creativity and diversity.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (employer contribution is currently 14.9%).
- 34 days a/l (plus bank holidays) and 2 additional days off to participate in volunteer work for a registered charity.
- Discounted Medical Insurance with BUPA that includes Consultations, Diagnostics, in-patient and day-case treatment, Mental Health support, Therapies and Digital GP service.
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know and we will work with you to support you throughout the process.
Kindly note that all applications must be submitted via Morgan Law. CVs sent directly to the University of the Arts will not be considered.