Category Lead - Direct Procurement (4 days pw in London)
Category Lead - Direct Procurement (4 days pw in London)

Category Lead - Direct Procurement (4 days pw in London)

Full-Time 68000 - 68000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Cedar Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join a dynamic, international Infrastructure/Telco business at the forefront of innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, private medical insurance, gym membership, and daily breakfast.
  • Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and a collaborative culture with excellent career progression.
  • Why this job: Shape procurement strategies and make a real impact in a rapidly growing company.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 68000 - 68000 £ per year.

Join a fast-growing, international Infrastructure/Telco business where you will play a key role in shaping procurement strategy and driving real impact.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a business where procurement sits at the core of operations, not on the sidelines. You will lead strategic sourcing and supplier management across high-impact, direct categories including construction/build, fuel, power, battery and storage, as well as mechanical and electrical components that keep critical infrastructure running.

Working cross-functionally, you will manage stakeholders, lead key negotiations, and take full ownership of your category, driving real value in a company that is scaling rapidly and investing heavily in its supply chain capability.

What You’ll Do

  • Develop and deliver category strategies within Direct spend categories
  • Lead sourcing, supplier selection, and contract negotiations
  • Manage supplier performance and relationships
  • Collaborate across technical and commercial teams
  • Act as the key point of accountability for your category

What We’re Looking For

  • 5+ years’ experience in procurement and/or category management within M&E/construction or Directs
  • Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills
  • Resilient, proactive, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience with mechanical, electrical, or construction categories is beneficial

What You’ll Get

  • £68,000 salary plus 15% bonus
  • Private medical and life insurance for you + family
  • Gym membership and daily breakfast
  • Monthly socials and a collaborative culture
  • Hybrid working (London Mon-Thurs)

This is an opportunity to join a growing organisation, take ownership, and progress quickly in your career.

Category Lead - Direct Procurement (4 days pw in London) employer: Cedar Recruitment

Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding international Infrastructure/Telco business that places procurement at the heart of its operations. With a collaborative culture, generous benefits including private medical insurance, gym membership, and a strong focus on employee growth, this role offers you the chance to make a significant impact while enjoying a balanced work-life with hybrid working arrangements in London. Here, your contributions will be valued, and you'll have the opportunity to advance your career in a supportive environment that champions innovation and excellence.
Cedar Recruitment

Contact Detail:

Cedar Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Lead - Direct Procurement (4 days pw in London)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show them you know your stuff and can bring real value to their team. We want you to shine!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills.

✨Tip Number 4

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 Lead - Direct Procurement (4 days pw in London)

Strategic Sourcing
Supplier Management
Contract Negotiation
Stakeholder Management
Category Management
Performance Management
Collaboration
Mechanical and Electrical Knowledge
Resilience
Proactivity
Fast-Paced Environment Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your procurement and category management experience, especially in M&E or construction, to show us you’re the right fit.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about procurement and how you can drive value in our organisation. Share specific examples of your past achievements that align with the role.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to manage stakeholders effectively. We want to see how you’ve navigated complex relationships and led negotiations in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. 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 Cedar Recruitment

✨Know Your Categories Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the direct spend categories mentioned in the job description, like construction, fuel, and electrical components. Research current trends and challenges in these areas so you can speak confidently about how you would approach category strategies.

✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes, as this role heavily relies on strong negotiation skills.

✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Expertise

Think of specific instances where you've collaborated with cross-functional teams. Highlight how you managed different stakeholders' expectations and drove value through effective communication and collaboration.

✨Emphasise Your Resilience and Proactivity

In a fast-paced environment, being resilient is key. Prepare to share stories that illustrate your ability to adapt to change and take initiative. This will show that you're not just reactive but also proactive in driving results.

Category Lead - Direct Procurement (4 days pw in London)
Cedar Recruitment

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