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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement projects in IT categories like Hardware and Software.
- Company: Join a dynamic organization at the forefront of transport and utilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £50,000 salary, bonuses, free travel, and additional perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive team while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement or general indirect categories is preferred.
- Other info: Hybrid work model: 2 days in the office, 3 days from home.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Procurement Category Manager
Location: Midlands, UK
Contract: Full-time, Interim
Salary: Competitive
Start Date: ASAP
About the Role:
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Procurement Category Manager to join our team at a leading university in the Midlands. This exciting role will see you responsible for the end-to-end procurement process across several key categories, including Professional Services , IT , and Estates . You will work closely with internal stakeholders, drive strategic procurement decisions, and ensure compliance with the latest procurement regulations, including the New Procurement Act .
The successful candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, a solid understanding of procurement strategies, and a commercial mindset. You will play a key role in driving strategic change across the organisation, delivering cost efficiencies, and maintaining the highest standards of procurement practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- End-to-End Procurement Management : Take full responsibility for the procurement lifecycle, from identifying needs, conducting market analysis, tendering processes, to contract negotiation and supplier management.
- Category Management : Oversee the procurement categories of Professional Services , IT , and Estates , ensuring they align with university objectives, operational needs, and budget requirements.
- Negotiation & Supplier Management : Lead strategic negotiations with suppliers to ensure value for money, contract compliance, and a positive long-term relationship. Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance.
- Stakeholder Management : Work closely with internal stakeholders (academics, administrators, and finance teams) to understand their needs, build relationships, and provide procurement solutions that align with departmental and university goals.
- Regulatory Compliance : Stay up-to-date with the latest procurement regulations, particularly the New Procurement Act , and ensure all procurement activities adhere to legal, regulatory, and institutional guidelines.
- Strategic Change & Innovation : Play a pivotal role in driving procurement transformation and implementing best practices across the organisation. Propose and execute strategic initiatives aimed at cost reduction, process improvement, and enhanced supplier relationships.
- Risk Management : Assess and mitigate risks in procurement processes and supplier relationships, ensuring continuity of supply and reducing exposure to disruptions.
Skills & Experience:
- Extensive Procurement Experience : Proven experience in managing the procurement lifecycle for multiple categories, particularly in Professional Services , IT , and Estates .
- Strong Negotiation Skills : A track record of successful contract negotiations and securing value for money while maintaining supplier relationships.
- Stakeholder Management : Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and teams, managing expectations, and building collaborative relationships.
- Up-to-date Knowledge of Procurement Regulations : Thorough understanding of the New Procurement Act and relevant legislation. A strong knowledge of public sector procurement frameworks is .
- Strategic Thinking : Ability to think commercially and strategically to drive procurement value, cost savings, and long-term sustainability.
- Change Management : Experience in driving strategic change within procurement teams or organisations.
- Excellent Communication : Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex procurement processes and strategies to a variety of audiences.
Desirable Attributes:
- CIPS Qualification : Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or similar professional qualification.
- Public Sector Experience : Experience working in the public and private sector is highly desirable.
- Project Management Skills : Strong project management abilities to manage multiple procurement activities and initiatives simultaneously.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a respected and forward-thinking university that values innovation, collaboration, and efficiency in its procurement processes. You will play a key role in shaping the future of procurement within the organisation while driving strategic and operational excellence.
If you are a commercially-minded, experienced procurement professional with a passion for strategic change and continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you.
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Procurement Category Manager employer: ZipRecruiter
Contact Detail:
ZipRecruiter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement, especially in categories like Hardware, Software, and Telecoms. This knowledge will help you stand out during discussions and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, particularly those who have experience in regulated environments. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your end-to-end procurement experiences. Highlight any successful negotiations or strategic category plans you've executed to showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and recent projects. Understanding their goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how you can contribute to their success from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Procurement Category Manager position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially in IT procurement and category management.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in IT procurement, supplier management, and any exposure to regulated environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead category management and negotiate contracts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for procurement and your proactive problem-solving mindset. Mention how your background aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their procurement excellence.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasize any achievements related to cost savings, successful negotiations, or strategic category plans you've developed. Quantify your successes where possible to make a stronger impact.
How to prepare for a job interview at ZipRecruiter
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in IT procurement, especially in categories like Hardware, Software, and Telecoms. Highlight specific projects where you successfully managed supplier negotiations or executed category plans.
✨Understand the Regulatory Environment
Familiarize yourself with the Utilities Contract Regulations (UCR) and Public Contract Regulations (PCR). Even if you don't have direct experience, showing that you understand these regulations can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in fast-paced environments. Discuss your proactive approach to problem-solving and how it has led to successful outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Engage with Internal Stakeholders
Think about how you would collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure best value. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked cross-functionally in the past and how you plan to do so in this role.
