At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for optimal value.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and enhance your career in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising procurement processes and driving efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
This role is responsible for leading the end-to-end procurement and contracting of goods and services. It focuses on strategic category management, supplier relationship management, and ensuring value for money through effective procurement practices. The postholder will design and implement procurement strategies, policies, and processes to optimise spend, maximise commercial value, and support organisational objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Strategy
- Develop and implement best-practice procurement strategies, systems, and procedures
- Lead strategic procurement planning in collaboration with budget holders
- Create and deliver category strategies aligned to organisational priorities
- Drive stakeholder engagement to ensure adoption of category and supplier strategies
- Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to inform decision-making
- Leverage digital and AI tools to enhance market insight, planning, and tender evaluation
- Sourcing & Contract Management
- Manage end-to-end procurement processes, including:
- Supplier evaluation
- Tendering (RFI/RFP)
- Commercial negotiation
- Contract award and implementation
- Support stakeholders in developing specifications and sourcing documentation
- Review and improve contractual terms, including development of standard templates
- Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies and governance
- Supplier & Financial Management
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to optimise value and mitigate risk
- Lead supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives
- Identify and deliver cost-saving and spend optimisation opportunities
- Work with stakeholders to assess supplier risk and develop mitigation plans
- Support budget planning, monitoring, and control
- Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Provide challenge on requirements to ensure commercial efficiency ("need vs. want")
- Contribute to business case development and track benefit realisation
- Champion procurement best practices and continuous improvement
- Collaborate across wider organisational entities to leverage scale and knowledge-sharing
- Team & Capability Support
- Support the development of Procurement Officers through coaching and knowledge sharing
- Contribute to building procurement capability and best practice across the organisation
- Provide input on resourcing needs and workload prioritisation
Skills & Competencies
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
- Commercial acumen with ability to operate as a strategic business partner
- Skilled in contract negotiation and supplier management
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
- High levels of integrity, credibility, and professionalism
- Project management capability
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
Experience & Qualifications
- Essential:
- Proven experience in procuring indirect goods and services in the private sector
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing category strategies
- Experience delivering procurement projects within tight deadlines
- Strong background in contract negotiation and supplier management
- Desirable:
- Professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS)
- Experience with P2P systems (e.g. Oracle)
- Experience developing business cases (e.g. make vs. buy decisions)
- Experience managing budgets
Core Requirements
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
- Adaptability and problem-solving ability in fast-changing environments
- End-to-end category management capability
- Commercially focused procurement experience
Additional Information
This is a hybrid role offered as a 6-month fixed-term contract, requiring a balance of on-site and remote working. The role also requires flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and contribute to broader organisational objectives. The successful candidate will work within established governance frameworks and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and inclusion.
Category Manager (Indirect) in London employer: Bruin Financial & Professional Services
As a leading employer in the procurement sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our hybrid working model provides flexibility, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth and advancement. Join us to be part of a culture that values continuous improvement and inclusivity, making your contributions impactful and rewarding.
Contact Detail:
Bruin Financial & Professional Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager (Indirect) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show us that you understand their needs and how you can add value. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in supplier management and contract negotiation.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly. This way, you’ll stand out and show us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their procurement goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager (Indirect) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and strategic category management, as well as any relevant achievements that align with our job description.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills shine through. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and delivered value for money.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your communication is professional yet approachable. We appreciate a straightforward style that gets your message across effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bruin Financial & Professional Services
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on best-practice procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how you've implemented them in past roles. This will show your potential employer that you understand the importance of strategic category management.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in previous positions. Highlight your relationship-building skills and how you've driven adoption of category strategies, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Prowess
Be ready to discuss how you've conducted market analysis and benchmarking in the past. Bring specific examples of how your analytical skills have informed decision-making and led to cost-saving opportunities.
✨Prepare for Contract Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions around contract negotiation and supplier management. Prepare to share your experiences and strategies for achieving favourable terms, as well as how you've managed supplier relationships to optimise value.
