Job Description

About us
University College London is London's Global University and one of the world's leading multidisciplinary institutions. With a diverse community of staff and students from over 150 countries, UCL is internationally recognised for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
UCL spends over 600m annually with third-party suppliers. Our Commercial & Procurement Services function plays a vital role in ensuring this spend delivers value for money, supports UCL's Sustainable Procurement Strategy, and enables the university to invest in its long-term strategic ambitions, including UCL's 2034 strategy.
We are committed to working collaboratively across faculties and professional services to provide high-quality commercial insight, strong governance, and evidence-based decision making that supports world-leading education and research.
About the role
We are recruiting a Sub-Category Manager to join the Corporate Services category within the Commercial function. This role is responsible for delivering a range of procurement projects and workstreams, supporting stakeholders across UCL and contributing to the delivery of the wider Corporate Services category strategy.
You will develop a strong understanding of stakeholder requirements and objectives, manage end-to-end procurement activity, and deliver efficiencies and value for money through effective sourcing, negotiation and supplier management. The role involves managing tenders and contracts, maintaining supplier relationships, resolving issues, monitoring performance, and producing clear and accurate commercial reporting.
You will also play a key role in driving continuous improvement, identifying opportunities for innovation and new ways of working, and ensuring procurement activity supports UCL's sustainability objectives. Working closely with colleagues and stakeholders, you will provide sound commercial, contractual and compliance advice and contribute positively to the overall objectives of the Commercial function.
About you
You are a commercially astute procurement professional with experience delivering procurement activity in a complex environment. You bring strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and service.
You are confident building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, influencing at different levels, and working collaboratively as part of a team. You have experience managing procurement processes, contracts and suppliers, and are comfortable using data and reporting to support decision-making.
You are proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong planning, communication and interpersonal skills. Experience working in large or decentralised organisations is desirable. Above all, you are committed to delivering a responsive, high-quality service, sharing good practice, and using evidence and data to support effective commercial outcomes.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday 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

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.
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.
Available documents

Skills Required