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- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for HR and Travel, driving innovation and cost-effective solutions.
- Company: Join a values-driven organisation that champions collaboration and professional growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a global role while building strong partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or Travel procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exceptional career advancement potential.
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
Contact Detail:
1st Executive 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 your industry, especially those who work in HR and Travel procurement. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with their needs, especially around strategic sourcing and stakeholder engagement. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
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 role of HR and Travel Procurement Category Manager. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and stakeholder management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant tools you’ve used like SAP or Oracle.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for procurement and how your skills align with our values of collaboration and continuous improvement. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've driven efficiencies in past roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to influence decision-making or improve processes. We love seeing numbers that back up your achievements!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive
✨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 times when you influenced decision-making or translated business needs into effective sourcing solutions. This is crucial for the role, so make sure to emphasise your interpersonal skills.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you've developed and executed category strategies in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your strategic approach to procurement, including any innovative solutions you've implemented. This will showcase your ability to align with organisational objectives.
✨Prepare for Complex Negotiations
Since the role involves managing complex sourcing initiatives, brush up on your negotiation tactics. Be prepared to discuss your experience with RFXs and contract implementation. Highlight any successful negotiations you've led, focusing on how you balanced cost, quality, and risk.
