Category Manager - STEM Equipment

Ref Number
B28\-00136
Professional Expertise
Commercial and Procurement
Department
Finance, Commercial and Estates (B28\)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£54,931\-£64,644
Contract Type
Permanent
Working Type
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
16\-Jun\-2026
About us
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At UCL, procurement is about far more than purchasing goods and services. It is about enabling world\-leading research, supporting academic excellence and helping solve some of society’s biggest challenges.

As one of the world's leading universities, UCL invests significantly in cutting\-edge scientific equipment, specialist laboratory infrastructure and research environments that support discovery across science, engineering, medicine and technology. Our STEM Commercial team manages approximately £120m of annual expenditure and plays a critical role in ensuring researchers have access to the equipment, services and supplier partnerships they need to deliver exceptional outcomes.

We are transforming the way commercial and procurement services support research, combining commercial excellence, sustainability and innovation to maximise the value of every pound invested. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high\-performing team at the centre of that ambition.

About the role
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As STEM Category Manager, you will directly influence how UCL invests in its research capability. You will lead strategic sourcing activity across a diverse portfolio of scientific equipment, laboratory infrastructure, specialist services and research\-related spend, helping shape the future of research across one of the world's leading universities.

You will work closely with senior academics, researchers and professional services colleagues to develop category strategies, lead complex commercial projects and negotiate with specialist suppliers operating in highly technical markets.

The role offers significant autonomy and visibility. You will manage high\-value procurement activity from strategy through to implementation, using data, market insight and commercial expertise to deliver value, strengthen supplier relationships and support UCL's long\-term ambitions.

From enabling new laboratory facilities to supporting major research programmes, the impact of your work will be visible across the institution and beyond.

About you
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You are a commercially minded procurement professional who enjoys solving complex challenges and influencing meaningful outcomes.

You may already be working as a Category Manager, Senior Buyer, Strategic Procurement Manager or Commercial Manager within higher education, healthcare, research, scientific, engineering or other complex environments. Most importantly, you understand how to balance commercial rigour with stakeholder needs and can build credibility with both suppliers and senior decision\-makers.

You will bring experience of leading strategic sourcing activity, negotiating complex contracts and managing supplier relationships that deliver measurable value. You are comfortable analysing data, developing business cases and translating commercial insight into practical action.

You thrive in environments where no two projects are the same, enjoy working with highly engaged stakeholders and are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than commercial outcomes alone.

If you are looking for a role where your expertise can directly support world\-leading research and innovation, we would love to hear from you.

What we offer
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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

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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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; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

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