Associate Director of Finance Procurement

The opportunity

 

University of the Arts London 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

 

Your profile

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

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.

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to hold a Bronze Award from the Race Equality Charter (REC), are members of the Business Disability Forum and Employers for Carers, and maintain our status as a Disability Confident Scheme and Living Wage employer.

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.