Category Manager - Professional Services

Category Manager – Professional Services – Newcastle / hybrid

The role will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies for professional services, including consulting, legal, financial, and other related services. The Category Manager – Professional Services will also work on master agreements with our suppliers to ensure streamlined procurement activities globally.

Skills / experience

• Extensive experience in professional services procurement.
• Experience / Knowledge of category, supplier, and contract management (specifically contracts over £1m).
• Experience of marking up statements of work, and the ability to translate and communicate the effect of contractual language to stakeholders.
• Experience of procuring and negotiating contracts.
• Experience running end-to-end RFPs for senior stakeholders.
• Experience of implementing procurement policy, procedures, and governance.
• Experience operating at both a tactical and strategic level with a track record of success in delivering financial savings.

Role

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement category strategies to optimise cost, quality, and service levels for professional services.
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to identify trends, opportunities, and best practices.
• Lead the sourcing process, including RFPs, RFQs, and contract negotiations.
• Manage supplier relationships, including performance management, risk assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure alignment with category strategies.
• Monitor and report on category performance, including savings, compliance, and supplier performance metrics.
• Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory changes that may impact the category.
• Comply with all Group Procurement policies and procedures in conjunction with department leads and department-specific requirements.

Operational Management

• Direct and manage sourcing strategies from beginning to end.
• Define purchasing recommendations that support business goals, in collaboration with management and stakeholders.
• Negotiate pricing and terms and conditions of contracts with contractors and/or service providers.
• Monitor service provider, outsourcer, and/or contractor performance to ensure quality of service.
• Provide periodic oversight and execution of vendor requalification.
• Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the organisation’s executives, department heads, and end users regarding pertinent sourcing activities.
• Effectively communicate procurement strategies to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear way.
• Manage escalated issues between the service provider and the company and coordinate key mitigation actions.

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of the Category Management process.
• MCIPs qualified or willing to work towards a CIPS qualification.
• Experience working in an environment where customer needs are variable.
• Experience working under category management-based approaches.
• Experience implementing best practice contract and supplier management.
• Proficient using PowerPoint and Excel
• Experience of presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Using self-directed work to draw insights in support of influencing senior stakeholders.

Excellent role, team and company, apply now!!!