Procurement Operations Officer

The opportunity

An opportunity to embark on an exciting career path with one of the UK’s most prestigious and globally renowned Universities, supporting procurement governance and delivery of a wide range of purchasing activity.

                      

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 over 18,000 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, with an expectation that colleagues come into the office 50% of their time. (Core days tend to be Tuesdays and Wednesdays). 

 

Reporting to the Procurement Lead, the Procurement Operations Officer will manage operational procurement processes, systems and practices, engaging with stakeholders to support the Procurement Team with below threshold purchasing with a specific focus on the University’s Colleges.  You will provide reporting, data analysis, business intelligence and insights to inform procurement strategies to meet the University’s regulatory requirements, promoting a culture of best practice principles to support the University accreditations and ethical commitments.

 

Your profile

About you

• Experience of working in a procurement role in a complex environment.
• Professional qualification such as CIPS / NVQ level 4 or above (achieved or working towards - desirable).
• Knowledge of procurement practices including sourcing, contract management, supplier relationship management, Frameworks and UK Procurement Regulations.
• Experience of managing high volume/low value spend.
• Knowledge of eProcurement and ERP/Finance systems and reporting tools.
• Excellent MS Office Software knowledge (Excelerator and PowerBI desirable).
• Experience managing large financial and statistical data sets and creating presentations and sharing knowledge relating to procurement matters.
• Experience of building successful internal working relationships with stakeholders.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

Start your application

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.