At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for contingent workforce, driving sourcing initiatives and negotiating contracts.
- 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 your voice and ideas.
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.
Contingent Workforce Procurement in London employer: Chain IQ
Contact Detail:
Chain IQ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contingent Workforce Procurement in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the procurement 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. At Chain IQ, they value innovation and bold thinking, so think of examples from your past that showcase your entrepreneurial spirit. Show them how you can make an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves negotiating contracts and influencing stakeholders, being able to articulate your value and negotiate effectively is key. Role-play with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Chain IQ team. Let’s shape the future of procurement together!
We think you need these skills to ace Contingent Workforce Procurement in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Category Manager in Contingent Workforce Procurement. Highlight your experience with MSPs and VMS platforms, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and any relevant achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about procurement and how your background aligns with Chain IQ’s values. Be bold and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role is data-driven, make sure to highlight any experience you have with analysing datasets. Mention specific tools or methodologies you’ve used to identify cost-saving opportunities or improve supplier performance.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 UK and European staffing markets, as well as compliance factors like IR35. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who understands the industry inside out.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Think of specific examples where you've identified cost-saving opportunities or improved supplier performance through analysis. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your analytical prowess and how it can benefit Chain IQ.
✨Be Ready to Negotiate
Since negotiation is key in this role, come prepared with examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes. This will not only showcase your skills but also your confidence in handling commercial discussions, which is crucial for a Category Manager.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about Chain IQ's approach to procurement and their vision for the future. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with your interviewers on a deeper level.