At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and deliver category strategies while managing procurement projects and supplier relationships.
- Company: Leading UK utilities organisation investing in its procurement function.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 10% bonus, attractive benefits package, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a growing team with opportunities for career development and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on commercial performance and challenge the status quo.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or category management with a curious mindset.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Indirect Procurement | Strategic Sourcing | Commercial Strategy | Supplier Management
Location: West London (Hybrid)
Salary: 55,000-60,000 (+10% bonus & attractive benefits package)
Looking for a role where you can challenge the status quo, explore new categories and make a real impact on commercial performance? A leading UK utilities organisation is investing heavily in its procurement function and is looking for a driven Indirect Category Manager to join its expanding team. The organisation is entering a significant new chapter, with transformation driven by a large investment surge and a clear commitment from senior leadership to strengthen and elevate the procurement function.
This is an opportunity to work across a varied indirect spend portfolio, taking responsibility for developing category strategies, leading sourcing initiatives and finding new ways to maximise value across the business. The organisation is keen to bring in someone with a curious mindset and a genuine appetite to learn - someone who enjoys understanding different areas of a business, isn't afraid to step outside their comfort zone and is motivated by the opportunity to take on new challenges.
As the procurement function continues to grow, there is significant scope to influence how indirect spend is approached, develop relationships with stakeholders across the business and identify opportunities that may not have previously been explored. For the successful candidate, this presents a genuine opportunity to step up, take on greater category ownership and develop beyond their current specialism. Whether you're a Senior Buyer ready for your first Category Manager position or an existing Category Manager looking for broader exposure, you'll be joining a function where curiosity, ambition and a willingness to learn are encouraged.
As an Indirect Category Manager, you will:
- Develop & Deliver Category Strategies: Take responsibility for a range of indirect spend areas, developing sourcing strategies that reflect business requirements, market conditions and commercial priorities. You'll have the opportunity to build knowledge across different categories and influence how spend is managed across the organisation.
- Unlock Commercial Value: Analyse expenditure, benchmark supplier markets and identify opportunities to improve pricing, contractual terms and overall value. You'll be encouraged to think beyond traditional approaches, challenge the way things are done and bring forward ideas that deliver measurable results.
- Lead Sourcing & Negotiations: Manage procurement projects from initial requirements gathering and tendering through to supplier selection and contract award, developing your commercial judgement and gaining exposure to a broad range of sourcing challenges.
- Build Influential Relationships: Establish strong working relationships with stakeholders across the business, understanding their priorities and helping them make informed commercial decisions. You'll become a trusted procurement partner, with the opportunity to influence thinking and bring procurement further into business decision-making.
- Drive Supplier Value & Improvement: Manage supplier relationships and contractual performance, identifying opportunities to strengthen partnerships, improve service delivery and ensure the organisation continues to achieve value from its supplier base.
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Procurement Background: Previous experience in a procurement or category management position, ideally with at least 12 months' experience independently managing a category. Senior Buyers with strong end-to-end sourcing experience and the ambition to take on greater category responsibility will also be considered.
- Indirect Procurement Exposure: Some experience across indirect procurement, with exposure to areas such as professional services, facilities management, HR, marketing, corporate services or business support services. You don't need to be an expert across every category; a willingness to develop your knowledge and take ownership of unfamiliar areas is key.
- Commercial & Strategic Thinking: An understanding of strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations and contract management, alongside the ability to assess commercial opportunities and translate analysis into practical procurement strategies.
- A Curious & Adaptable Mindset: Someone who naturally asks questions, enjoys learning and is motivated by understanding how different parts of a business operate. You'll be proactive in seeking out opportunities, comfortable with changing priorities and keen to continually expand your knowledge rather than remain within one particular specialism.
This is an opportunity to join a procurement function on an upward trajectory, at a time when investment, leadership focus and business recognition are creating real momentum. If you're ambitious, commercially curious and ready to take the next step in your procurement career, this is an environment where you can challenge yourself, broaden your expertise and grow alongside the function.
Interested? If you're looking for a role that offers variety, ownership and the opportunity to grow your experience across indirect procurement, we'd love to hear from you.
For further information or to apply, email your CV to Maria at jobsMC@bramwith.com
Indirect Category Manager Specialist in London employer: Bramwith Consulting
Join a dynamic and innovative manufacturing organisation in Hemel Hempstead, where your role as a Senior Buyer will not only allow you to take ownership of strategic sourcing but also provide ample opportunities for career progression towards a Procurement Manager position. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and competitive benefits, this company is dedicated to fostering an environment where ambitious professionals can thrive and make a significant impact in the procurement field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Category Manager Specialist in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Bramwith Consulting.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Category Manager Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Bramwith Consulting:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Bramwith Consulting. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Bramwith Consulting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bramwith Consulting
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Bramwith Consulting!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Bramwith Consulting. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Bramwith Consulting's culture.
