At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships to optimise 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 develop your skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving strategic procurement and enhancing organisational efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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
- 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
- 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
Experience & Qualifications
- 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
- Experience with P2P systems (e.g. Oracle)
- 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
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) employer: Bruin
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 a meaningful impact on our organisational objectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager (Indirect)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show us that you understand their needs and can bring value to their team. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with category management and supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves contract management, being able to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively will set you apart. Consider mock negotiations with friends or colleagues to sharpen your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager (Indirect)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager (Indirect). Highlight your experience in procurement and category management, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that align with our needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific strategies you've implemented in the past and how they’ve driven value for your previous employers.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your skills in action! Be sure to include examples of your strong stakeholder management and negotiation abilities. If you’ve used digital tools or AI in procurement, let us know how that enhanced your processes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application 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
✨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 understanding of the category management process and your ability to drive value for money.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in previous positions. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve built relationships to ensure the adoption of procurement strategies. This is key for a role that requires collaboration across departments.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to talk about 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 successful procurement outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Contract Negotiation Experience
Since contract negotiation is a crucial part of this role, prepare to discuss your experience in this area. Share specific instances where you’ve negotiated terms that benefited your organisation, showcasing your commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
