Procurement Category Manager - Facilities Management

About EIT:

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford’s purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.

EIT Oxford will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT Oxford seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: health and medical science; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate change and clean energy; and government innovation in an era of artificial intelligence.

EIT Oxford is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT Oxford experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.

EIT Oxford is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Procurement Category Manager to lead sourcing and supplier management across the Facilities Management (FM) category, including both Hard and Soft FM services and associated subcategories such as Laboratory Equipment and Services.

This role is critical in delivering value, operational excellence, and innovation to support both workplace environments and scientific operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement category strategies for Facilities Management procurement, covering services such as mechanical & electrical (M&E) maintenance, cleaning, security, catering, workplace services, and minor construction works.
• Manage procurement for subcategories related to Facilities Management, including the sourcing and management of Laboratory Equipment (non-core scientific equipment supporting facilities and operations) and associated technical services.
• Lead competitive tendering processes, negotiations, supplier selection, and contract award activities, ensuring best value, service quality, and risk mitigation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders including Facilities teams, Real Estate, Laboratory Managers, Health & Safety, Finance, and Legal departments.
• Conduct market and supplier analysis to identify opportunities for cost savings, service improvement, innovation, and sustainability.
• Drive supplier relationship management (SRM) initiatives, ensuring suppliers meet contractual obligations, KPIs, and continuously improve performance.
• Manage end-to-end contract negotiations, ensuring that commercial and service terms are optimised and risk is minimised.
• Collaborate closely with Facilities and Laboratory teams to forecast procurement needs, budget appropriately, and contribute to strategic planning.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance, procurement policies, regulatory standards, and sustainability frameworks.
• Support the organisation’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives through responsible sourcing practices.

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• 8 years’ procurement experience, with a significant focus on Facilities Management sourcing.
• Experience managing procurement activities for laboratory equipment and associated services within an FM context.
• A proven track record in leading complex procurement projects and delivering measurable value.
• Familiarity with working within highly regulated industries (e.g., Pharmaceuticals, Life Sciences, Research) is advantageous.
• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Facilities Management, or a related field (Master’s degree desirable).
• MCIPS qualified or actively working towards full membership highly desirable.

We offer the following benefits:

• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.