Join The University Of Manchester's Procurement Transformation

The University of Manchester is one of the world's most respected institutions, renowned for its research excellence, teaching quality, and commitment to social impact. Now, as part of its ambitious Manchester 2035 vision, the University is transforming its Commercial Procurement Services into a strategic, value-driven partner—and you could be part of it.

Robert Walters is proud to support this transformation by recruiting a new team of procurement leaders, including the following positions: 

• 1 x Head of Category
• 2 x Category Managers
• 1 x Supplier Relationship Managers (Estates)
• 1 x Supplier Relationship Managers (IT)

Explore the roles available and discover how you can make a lasting impact at a globally recognised university.

• Strategic Alignment: We champion the University’s goals, embedding commercial insight into every stage of decision-making. We ensure that every pound spent accelerates research breakthroughs and student success
  
  
• Category Leadership: From IT and lab equipment to construction and professional services, our team of category experts designs strategies that meet complex needs and deliver savings.
  
  
• Supplier Partnerships: We cultivate collaborative, innovative relationships with top suppliers – securing the best solutions for our community.
  
  
• Innovation & Sustainability: We embrace modern procurement methods and sustainability, driving initiatives like digital sourcing and responsible supply chains that reflect Manchester’s values.
   

Our new vision positions Procurement not just as a back-office function, but as a strategic enabler. We communicate openly with stakeholders, forecast market trends, and introduce creative solutions. In doing so, we amplify the University’s research excellence and fiscal health.

Head of Category Management: 

Lead the vision for category strategy University-wide. You will inspire and direct a team of experts, liaise with senior stakeholders, and ensure procurement drives strategic objectives. This role demands a seasoned leader with a bold vision for commercial excellence and a passion for enabling the University’s ambitions.

Category Manager:

Own and transform major category portfolios within your domain. Your responsibilities include demand analysis, stakeholder engagement, market assessment, and contract negotiation. You’ll have autonomy and support to innovate, helping to embed green procurement practices that support the University’s sustainability ambitions. This is a hands-on role where every improvement you make enhances the University’s operations and research capabilities.

Estates Supplier Relationship Manager:

Champion supplier performance across the University’s estate services. You’ll manage contracts for facilities such as cleaning, catering, maintenance, and security, ensuring services align with strategic goals and sustainability ambitions. From resolving escalations to embedding social value and net-zero principles, you’ll drive continuous improvement and value for money. This role suits a collaborative leader with estates expertise, commercial acumen, and a passion for operational excellence.

IT Supplier Manager:

Oversee supplier relationships that power the University’s digital infrastructure. You’ll manage IT contracts end-to-end, monitoring KPIs, resolving disputes, and ensuring third-party risk is controlled. Working closely with IT Services, you’ll shape supplier strategies that support innovation, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. This role is ideal for a commercially savvy professional with strong negotiation skills and a deep understanding of IT procurement and contract governance.