Associate Director of Finance - Procurement

Shape the future of procurement at one of the world's leading creative universities, driving strategic change, sustainability and value at the heart of institutional success.

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 almost 23,000 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. Core office days for the Procurement team are Tuesdays and Wednesdays and the role also requires regular attendance at other University sites each week to support operational and stakeholder needs.

The Opportunity

The University is seeking an exceptional procurement leader to join the senior Finance leadership team in a pivotal role reporting to the Chief Finance Officer to shape the future of procurement.

This is a unique opportunity to reposition procurement as a key enabler of organisational change across one of the world's foremost creative institutions. You will lead the transformation of procurement into a strategic, value-driving function that underpins UAL's ambitious goals.

You will:

• Design and deliver an integrated procurement model that enhances efficiency, drives value for money, and embeds sustainability at its core


• Lead the development and delivery of UAL's Procurement Strategy, aligning with the University's mission and financial sustainability objectives


• Transform procurement and purchasing functions, simplifying processes and embedding best practice


• Drive measurable improvements in value for money, efficiency, and sustainability outcomes


• Provide expert strategic advice to senior leaders across academic, research, digital, estates and commercial functions


• Lead and inspire a high-performing Procurement Team, delivering excellence in category, contract and supplier management

About You

You are a commercially astute and forward-thinking leader with a passion for transformation and sustainability.

You bring:

• A recognised professional qualification (e.g. MCIPS, CCAB or equivalent) with significant senior-level procurement leadership experience


• A strong track record of delivering procurement transformation in large, complex, multi-stakeholder environments


• Deep knowledge of commercial best practice and relevant procurement regulations (including public sector frameworks)


• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans that deliver value for money and organisational efficiency


• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex data into compelling insight


• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to inspire high-performing teams and drive cultural change

Salary and Benefits

The role offers a salary from £90,000 per annum

Benefits include:

• 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 including Digital GP service, therapies, in-patient and day-case treatment

Kindly note that all applications must be submitted via Morgan Law. CVs sent directly to University of the Arts, London will not be considered.

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