Lead Procurement Specialist

Are you a strategic procurement professional looking to make a lasting impact at the Number 1 University for Art and Design?

The Royal College of Art  is seeking a Lead Procurement Specialist to join our Finance Department. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Finance (Financial Operations, Accounting and Control), this is a key leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering the College’s procurement strategy, policies and best practices.

You will lead the development of procurement systems and supplier management approaches that align with RCA’s financial, strategic, and environmental goals. With a strong focus on value for money and compliance, you’ll ensure our procurement activities support responsible, sustainable outcomes while meeting legal and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and implementing the College’s procurement strategy and policy framework.
• Advising senior stakeholders on procurement, commercial risk and contract management.
• Managing major procurement activity and supplier relationships across all spend categories.
• Driving continuous improvement and efficiency through spend analysis and supplier rationalisation.
• Supporting RCA’s sustainability agenda, including carbon footprint reduction and ethical sourcing.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance, including GDPR and public procurement procedures.
• Championing procurement training and best practice across the College.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work across departments, from Executive Board members and contract managers to external suppliers and professional networks like the Higher Education Procurement Academy.

We’re looking for someone with strong leadership and negotiation skills, a proven track record in strategic procurement, and the ability to influence at all levels. Experience within higher education or the public sector would be a strong advantage, particularly with knowledge of frameworks such as LUPC or CCS.

Why join The Royal College of Art?

You’ll become part of a globally renowned institution known for innovation and creativity. We offer a supportive and inclusive working culture, excellent benefits, and flexible hybrid working arrangements.

Be at the forefront of procurement excellence and help shape the future of The Royal College of Art.

Apply today and bring your expertise to a world-class creative environment.

Please see Information Pack for further details.

Applications close at 11.59pm on 27 April 2025

 We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this role. We handle all recruitment in-house and do not accept unsolicited CVs or agency terms.

RCA Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/

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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