Category Manager - Estates

Robert Walters is proud to be working on a retained basis with The University of Manchester, one of the UK’s leading universities, to appoint a Category Manager – Estates. This key role offers the opportunity to join a forward-thinking Procurement Team and contribute to the strategic management of the University’s extensive estates and capital projects portfolio.

This is an exceptional opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the largest and most complex campus estates in UK higher education. As Category Manager Estates, you will be at the heart of a world-class built environment and campus development programme, supporting ambitious projects that drive sustainability, innovation, and long-term value. The University offers a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, hybrid working options, generous leave entitlements, and access to outstanding on-campus facilities. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact through responsible procurement and want to contribute to the University’s Net Zero ambitions, this role provides the perfect platform for your expertise.

• Benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave including closure days and bank holidays, as well as access to comprehensive wellbeing support, staff discounts, and continuous professional development opportunities.
• Play a key role in delivering strategic procurement initiatives across construction, capital works, facilities management, and consultancy services—directly contributing to the University’s Responsible Procurement and Net Zero goals.

What you'll do:

As Category Manager Estates at the University of Manchester, you will take strategic ownership of all Estates-related spend categories—ranging from major construction projects to facilities management contracts—ensuring that every procurement activity aligns with the institution’s vision for a sustainable and world-class campus. Your day-to-day work will involve collaborating with internal stakeholders across Estates and Facilities teams to understand their requirements fully while developing innovative sourcing strategies that deliver value beyond cost savings. You will lead complex tendering exercises under public procurement regulations, manage supplier relationships with care and professionalism, support contract delivery through effective performance monitoring, and champion responsible procurement practices that advance the University’s Net Zero commitments.

• Develop and implement robust category strategies across Estates-related spend areas such as capital works, construction projects, facilities management (FM), consultancy services, and both hard and soft FM services.
• Lead end-to-end procurement projects ensuring full compliance with public procurement regulations while maintaining transparency and best practice throughout all processes.
• Partner closely with Estates and Facilities stakeholders to ensure alignment between procurement activities and the overarching University strategy for campus development.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, sustainability improvements, social value creation, and long-term value generation within all aspects of Estates procurement.
• Manage supplier relationships proactively by supporting contract performance reviews, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and fostering positive collaboration.
• Contribute actively to the University’s Responsible Procurement agenda by embedding sustainability principles into sourcing decisions and supporting progress towards Net Zero objectives.
• Prepare clear reports and recommendations for senior management regarding procurement outcomes, risks, opportunities, and ongoing supplier performance.
• Champion best practice in public sector procurement by sharing knowledge with colleagues across the wider Procurement Team.

What you bring:

In this Category Manager Estates position at the University of Manchester, your background in estates or facilities management procurement will be invaluable as you navigate complex sourcing challenges within a large-scale academic environment. Your proven track record in managing end-to-end tendering processes under strict regulatory frameworks will ensure compliance while driving best value outcomes. Your interpersonal skills will allow you to build strong connections with colleagues across departments as well as external partners—fostering trust-based relationships that underpin successful contract delivery. A CIPS qualification (or equivalent experience) highlights your dedication to professional standards; meanwhile, any exposure you have had to higher education or public sector contexts will provide useful insights into sector-specific needs. Familiarity with industry-standard contracts such as JCT/NEC further strengthens your negotiating position. Above all else, your passion for responsible procurement—particularly around sustainability will help advance the University’s ambitious Net Zero targets.

• Proven experience managing estates or construction-related procurement activities within large organisations or public sector environments is essential for success in this role.
• Good understanding of public procurement regulations ensures you can navigate complex compliance requirements confidently.
• Excellent communication skills enable you to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders at all levels across Estates, Facilities Management, suppliers, and senior leadership teams.
• A commercial mindset combined with a strategic approach allows you to identify opportunities for value creation while managing risk responsibly within all sourcing decisions.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards it), or equivalent professional experience in procurement demonstrates your commitment to best practice standards.

“The University of Manchester are an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.”

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