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- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for HR and Travel services, driving innovation and cost-effectiveness.
- Company: Join a collaborative organisation that values trust and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a globally connected procurement function.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or Travel categories and strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Category Manager - HR & Travel plays a pivotal role in delivering and implementing global category strategies across HR and Travel services. Working in close partnership with business leaders and suppliers, this role ensures sourcing solutions are innovative, cost-effective, compliant and aligned to organisational objectives. Success in this role relies on strong stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex sourcing initiatives end to end.
The organisation fosters a culture built on collaboration, trust, accountability and continuous improvement. Team members are encouraged to challenge thinking, share ideas, and build long-term partnerships that create sustainable value. This role brings exceptional career opportunities.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Procurement
- Develop and execute category strategies across HR and Travel, including Talent Acquisition, Employee Health and Wellbeing, Benefits, Training, Travel and Fleet.
- Ensure alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements and internal policies.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives, including RFXs, negotiations and contract implementation.
- Business Partnering
- Build strong, credible relationships with HR and Travel leaders.
- Translate business needs into tailored sourcing solutions.
- Influence decision-making through insight, data and commercial expertise.
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Manage strategic and operational supplier relationships.
- Negotiate commercial terms that balance cost, quality and risk.
- Foster partnerships that encourage innovation, performance improvement and long-term value.
- Process Improvement and Innovation
- Leverage market intelligence and technology to drive efficiencies.
- Identify and introduce innovative products, services and sourcing approaches.
- Model costs, test new ideas and measure performance outcomes.
- Governance and Compliance
- Ensure appropriate contractual terms and compliance frameworks are in place.
- Prepare category performance reports for senior procurement leadership.
- Leadership and Impact
- Support optimisation of a large, multi-country indirect spend portfolio.
- Deliver annual savings through structured sourcing initiatives.
- Represent the organisation professionally within the supplier community.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Bachelor's degree (preferred).
- Experience managing HR and/or Travel categories (preferred).
- Strong background in global strategic sourcing and category management.
- Experience with multi-country negotiations and complex contracts.
- Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities.
- Experience with e-sourcing and P2P tools (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Ariba or similar).
- Strong analytical, commercial and interpersonal skills.
- Advanced Excel and PowerPoint capabilities.
This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact within a globally connected, values-driven procurement function that prioritises collaboration, professional growth and shared success.
HR and Travel Procurement Category Manager - great team in London employer: 1st Executive Ltd
Contact Detail:
1st Executive Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR and Travel Procurement Category Manager - great team in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the HR and Travel sectors on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your strategic sourcing successes. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, let them see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you find a company you love, don’t wait for a job posting. Reach out directly to express your interest and share how you can add value to their HR and Travel procurement strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and news sources. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show potential employers that you’re passionate about the field.
We think you need these skills to ace HR and Travel Procurement Category Manager - great team in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the HR and Travel Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and stakeholder management, and don’t forget to sprinkle in some of that innovative thinking we love!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about procurement and how your skills align with our values of collaboration and continuous improvement. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage complex sourcing initiatives. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve saved costs or improved processes, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive Ltd
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the HR and Travel procurement landscape. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and innovations in these areas. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful discussions with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in building strong relationships with stakeholders. Think about how you've translated business needs into sourcing solutions and influenced decision-making. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your interpersonal skills made a difference.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can align category strategies with organisational objectives. Be prepared to share your approach to developing and executing category strategies, especially in complex environments. This will showcase your ability to think critically and strategically.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Successes
Negotiation is key in this role, so come armed with examples of successful negotiations you've led. Discuss the outcomes, how you balanced cost, quality, and risk, and any innovative approaches you took. This will illustrate your capability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
