Senior Category Manager - INTERNAL OPPORTUNITY OPEN TO UCL EMPLOYEES ONLY

London Source: WhatJobs

See advert for pay

Overview

In this role you will lead critical procurement categories (Travel, MICE, Contingent Labour, and External Engagement) to shape category strategies and deliver tangible cost savings. You’ll work with senior stakeholders to drive commercial excellence, lead complex sourcing and negotiations, and improve efficiency through data-informed decisions. You will support the Corporate Services strategy and nurture high-performing teams while embedding sustainable, value-driven procurement. This is a chance to influence procurement at a world-leading university and deliver meaningful, measurable impact.

Pay / Benefits

41 Days holiday
Defined benefit pension (CARE)
Cycle to work scheme
Relocation scheme
On-site nursery
On-site gym

Responsibilities

Develop and implement category strategies aligned with objectives and sustainability commitments
Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders as the main category contact
Lead strategic sourcing, contract development, supplier frameworks and preferred supplier lists
Identify and deliver cost savings, efficiencies and innovative commercial solutions
Provide expert advice on commercial, contractual and procurement compliance
Leverage spend analytics and data to build business cases and inform decisions
Drive transformation, continuous improvement and new ways of working across teams
Lead, coach and develop team members and cultivate a high-performing culture
Support the delivery of UCL's Corporate Services strategic objectives

Key requirements

Significant senior-level experience in category management, strategic sourcing and commercial transformation
Experience across Corporate Services categories, including contingent labour, travel, MICE and marketing
Proven track record in developing and implementing robust sourcing strategies and large-scale contracts
Strong negotiation, influencing and stakeholder-management skills with senior leaders
Experience in large, complex, decentralised organisations with diverse stakeholders
Strong commercial data literacy; ability to interpret spend analytics with Excel and Power BI
Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present complex information clearly
Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
Collaborative, innovative, evidence-based approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement
Passion for developing people and sustainable procurement practices
Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience (essential)