Head of Procurement

Founded in 1837, the Royal College of Art is the world’s largest community of postgraduate art and design students. It is also the oldest art and design university in continuous operation and has been ranked as the world ‘s number 1 art & design university for a remarkable nine consecutive years, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 – the largest world-wide survey of academic and industry opinion.

We are seeking to appoint a qualified procurement professional who will be reporting to the Chief Financial Officer. The Head of Procurement will be responsible for developing the College’s strategy, policy, processes and practice in relation to the procurement of goods, services and works and the management of contracts and supplier relationships for the College. Within this, the role holder will ensure all procurement is carried out in line with the College’s core values, strategic, financial and sustainability goals, whilst ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

The Head of Procurement will lead the College’s procurement, ensuring the College secures value for money from all its expenditure. The role holder will also be responsible for major contract procurement/management and consolidating and rationalising the College’s supplier base.

The role requires liaison internally with College staff at all levels, but most notably with contract managers, budget holders and staff at Head of Programme/Department and Senior Management Team level. The role holder will also need to liaise externally with suppliers, purchasing consortia, framework providers and professional bodies e.g. Higher Education Procurement Association.

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