Category Manager (STEM)

UK Dementia Research Institute; London; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university seeks a Sub-Category Manager to develop sustainable procurement strategies. This remote role involves managing supplier relationships and enhancing compliance while promoting value for money. Ideal candidates are commercially savvy with strong experience in procurement and tender management.

Benefits

41 days holiday

Defined benefit pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted medical insurance

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering impactful plans and metrics.
• Experience managing small to medium tenders and contract negotiations.
• Essential experience in monitoring supplier performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop procurement plans and negotiation strategies.
• Manage competitions and compliance.
• Lead non-pay savings initiatives and improve business processes.

Skills

Commercial savvy

Collaboration

Contract negotiation

Supplier performance monitoring

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

We spend £600 million per year at UCL and are implementing a new sustainable strategic plan to optimize our expenditure through building a dedicated team. Creating sustainable savings enables us to allocate funds towards vital activities such as teaching future scientists and researching cures for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Cancer, aligning with our mission as one of the world's leading universities.

About the role

This is a remote, home-based role.

Please note this position falls within the STEMed category. The Sub-Category Manager will develop a comprehensive procurement plan that aligns with category needs and central commercial objectives, including sustainability goals. You will influence division objectives by preparing negotiation strategies to secure Value for Money (VfM) arrangements, managing competitions, and advising on compliance. Responsibilities also include assessing demand on existing contracts, developing transition plans for new suppliers, managing the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) process tailored to different supplier types, and providing line management support as needed. You will lead non-pay savings initiatives, continuously improve business processes across faculties, and introduce innovative working methods. We welcome applications for part-time, flexible, or job-share arrangements. A detailed job description and person specification are available at the bottom of this page.

About you

The ideal candidate will be commercially savvy, collaborative, and experienced in procurement. You should hold a degree or equivalent experience, with a proven track record of delivering impactful plans, metrics, and targets. Experience managing small to medium tenders, including contract negotiations, SLAs, and contract drafting, as well as monitoring supplier performance, is essential.

What we offer

In addition to exciting career opportunities, we offer a range of benefits, including:

• 41 days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 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 positions
• On-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

More details can be found at UCL Rewards and Benefits.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we value diversity as a catalyst for creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality, fairness, and inclusivity, fostering a community where everyone belongs. We especially encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented at UCL, including those from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled individuals; LGBTQI+ community members; and women applying for Grade 9 and 10 roles.

Attached documents are available via links, which will initiate downloads when clicked.