Kensington, London, United Kingdom/Hybrid

Job Title: Head of Procurement
Department: Finance
Location: London (Hybrid working available)
Salary: Grade 10
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent
Reporting to: Deputy Director of Finance (Finance Operations, Accounting and Control)

Join the Royal College of Art as Head of Procurement

The Royal College of Art (RCA), the world’s leading university of art and design, is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Procurement to lead our procurement function at a pivotal time of growth and development. This is a high-impact leadership role that offers the opportunity to shape procurement across the College, ensuring best value, legal compliance, and alignment with our values and strategic goals.

About the Role

As Head of Procurement, you will lead the development and delivery of the College’s procurement strategy, policy, and operations. You will ensure the procurement of goods, services and works is carried out in accordance with the College’s sustainability ambitions, financial targets, and core values. A key part of the role involves building strong supplier relationships, managing contracts effectively, and delivering continuous improvement in procurement practice.

You will play a central role in achieving value for money across all College expenditure, managing major procurement projects and working closely with colleagues across the RCA, particularly budget holders, contract managers, senior leadership, and Heads of Department.

You will also represent the College externally in dealings with suppliers, framework providers, purchasing consortia and professional bodies such as the Higher Education Procurement Association.

About You

We are looking for a professionally qualified procurement expert (MCIPS or equivalent), with extensive experience leading strategic procurement in complex organisations. You’ll have:

A strong understanding of procurement legislation, contract and supplier management

Proven success in delivering financial savings and managing commercial risk

Experience with a range of procurement categories, including facilities, construction, and IT

Excellent negotiation skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels

This is a fantastic opportunity for a procurement leader who wants to make a lasting impact in a creative, forward-thinking and mission-driven environment.

For more information on the role please see the Info Pack.

The Royal College of Art (RCA) aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected.

We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world-leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment.

Please tell us if you need any assistance in applying or if you need the information in a different format. In your message to resourcing@rca.ac.uk include:

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