Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for contingent workforce and drive commercial excellence in sourcing initiatives.
- Company: Join Chain IQ, a global AI-driven Procurement Service Partner with a culture of innovation.
- Benefits: Dynamic international environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working with cutting-edge technology and a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in contingent workforce procurement and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a Great Place to Work-certified team that values bold thinking and ownership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: London, GB
At Chain IQ, your ideas move fast. Chain IQ is a global AI-driven Procurement Service Partner, headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, with operations across main centers and 16 offices worldwide. We provide tailored, end-to-end procurement solutions that enable transformation, drive scalability, and deliver substantial reductions in our clients' indirect spend. Our culture is built on innovation, entrepreneurship, ownership, and impact. Here, your voice matters - bold thinking is encouraged, and action follows ambition.
About the Role
Chain IQ is seeking a commercially savvy and data-driven Category Manager to lead procurement efforts for Contingent Workforce across the UK and European markets. You will be part of a collaborative, fast-paced team that supports our clients through the full sourcing lifecycle—from strategy and market analysis to negotiation and contract execution. This role is ideal for candidates with a strong understanding of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Vendor Management Systems (VMS), and the professional staffing industry, who are passionate about delivering best-in-class commercial outcomes. Whether you come from a leading MSP or have managed the contingent workforce category in-house, you’ll thrive here if you’re analytically sharp, client-focused, and keen to optimize total cost of workforce ownership.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives for contingent workforce and temporary staffing categories.
- Serve as a trusted commercial advisor to clients, guiding them on market trends, rate benchmarks, supplier strategies, and compliance considerations.
- Drive commercial excellence in deals involving MSPs and VMS platforms (e.g., Fieldglass, Beeline, VNDLY).
- Analyze large datasets to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supplier performance.
- Run market tenders, evaluate bids with cross-functional teams, and negotiate competitive commercial terms.
- Draft and structure contracts aligned with client needs, with limited legal support.
- Manage relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels.
- Contribute to sourcing strategy and category planning through market intelligence.
- Mentor junior team members where applicable and support knowledge-sharing across teams.
What We’re Looking For
- University degree or equivalent.
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience in contingent workforce procurement, staffing supplier management, or working within an MSP/VMS environment.
- Strong working knowledge of UK and European staffing markets, commercial models, and compliance factors (e.g., co-employment, IR35, mark-up structures).
- Hands-on experience with VMS platforms (e.g., Fieldglass, Beeline, VNDLY).
- Proven track record in managing sourcing initiatives, negotiating contracts, and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in fast-paced, multi-client environments.
Join a truly global team. We offer a dynamic and international environment where high performance meets real purpose. We're proud to be Great Place to Work-certified and even prouder of the people who make that possible. Let’s shape the future of procurement - together. Chain IQ – Create. Lead. Make an impact.
Information for agencies: Applications sent or uploaded by placement agencies or similar are not desired, will therefore not be considered and will be deleted.
Commercial Expert / Category Manager - Contingent Workforce employer: Chain IQ
Contact Detail:
Chain IQ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Expert / Category Manager - Contingent Workforce
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. 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 culture. Chain IQ values innovation and bold thinking, so think of examples from your past that showcase your entrepreneurial spirit and how you've made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience with MSPs and VMS platforms makes you the perfect fit for the role. Highlight your analytical skills and any successful sourcing initiatives you've led to show you mean business.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Chain IQ team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Expert / Category Manager - Contingent Workforce
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commercial Savvy: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in procurement and your understanding of the contingent workforce. We want to see how you've driven commercial excellence in past roles, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Data-Driven: Since this role is all about being analytical, include specific examples of how you've used data to make decisions or improve processes. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, that’s a big plus for us!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use the same language and keywords that we’ve included, especially around MSPs, VMS, and the staffing industry. This shows us you really understand what we're looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chain IQ
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Vendor Management Systems (VMS). Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the contingent workforce market, as well as compliance factors like IR35. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential expert who can add real value.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Bring examples of how you've identified cost-saving opportunities or improved supplier performance through analysis. This is key for a role that requires a data-driven approach, so be ready to impress with your analytical prowess.
✨Practice Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is a big part of this role, think of some scenarios where you've successfully negotiated contracts or terms. Practise articulating your strategies and outcomes clearly. This will help you demonstrate your negotiation skills and show that you can handle high-stakes discussions with confidence.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Chain IQ's procurement strategies and how they approach the contingent workforce category. This not only shows your interest in the company but also gives you insight into their operations. Engaging in a two-way conversation can set you apart from other candidates.
