Indirect Category Manager - Transformation

Indirect Category Manager - Transformation

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for multi-million-pound software projects and build relationships with key vendors.
  • Company: High-growth, sustainability-focused manufacturing business with a dynamic culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, and opportunities for career advancement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement transformation and shape the future of the function.
  • Qualifications: 3-4 years in procurement or category management with a drive to advance your career.
  • Other info: High visibility role with exposure to senior leadership and strategic initiatives.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

I am working exclusively with a high growth, sustainability focused manufacturing business to appoint a Strategic Procurement Manager into a newly created role. The position sits at the centre of a procurement transformation programme, supporting the company's next stage of growth. Reporting into the Head of Procurement, you will drive tangible change across global indirect categories, with exposure to senior leadership on business-critical initiatives. This role is suited to a strong up-and-coming procurement candidate with 3-4+ years experience in indirect category management, keen to take their career to the next level.

Key Responsibilities

  • Take ownership of the strategic sourcing and procurement lifecycle for multi-million-pound software projects, from requirements definition to negotiation, contract award, and supplier management.
  • Build credibility with senior internal stakeholders and act as a trusted advisor on indirect procurement strategy.
  • Develop category strategies and embed procurement best practices and governance across your portfolio.
  • Initiate and cultivate strategic relationships with IT Software & Cloud vendors to deliver commercial and operational value.
  • Operate across an array of indirect spend areas, including but not limited to, fleet, facilities & consumables.
  • Help shape and grow the procurement function, gaining exposure to leadership and operational strategy.

Required Background

  • Experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Category Management, with clear commercial achievements (cost savings, risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, supplier management).
  • Awareness of the IT Software supply market; exposure to functional/digital applications desirable but not essential.
  • Degree and MCIPS preferred.
  • Ambition to develop into a senior procurement role within a global organisation.

Why This Role

This is a high-visibility, career-building role for emerging procurement talent. You will gain exposure to strategic software procurement at scale, influence internal stakeholders, and have the opportunity to shape the development of a high-performing procurement function. This role is designed for someone looking to grow into a future Procurement Director while making an immediate impact.

Indirect Category Manager - Transformation employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

Join a high-growth, sustainability-focused manufacturing business that prioritises employee development and offers a dynamic work culture. As an Indirect Category Manager, you will not only drive significant change in procurement but also enjoy a competitive salary, a company car, and the chance to shape your career within a supportive environment that values innovation and strategic thinking.
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

Contact Detail:

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Indirect Category Manager - Transformation

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work in indirect category management. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in driving change and building relationships with stakeholders.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to speak with hiring managers, highlight specific examples of cost savings or successful supplier management from your past roles. Numbers speak volumes!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.

We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Category Manager - Transformation

Strategic Sourcing
Category Management
Procurement Lifecycle Management
Negotiation Skills
Supplier Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Cost Savings Analysis
Risk Mitigation
IT Software Supply Market Awareness
Relationship Building
Governance in Procurement
Commercial Acumen
Ambition for Career Development
Exposure to Leadership Strategy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Indirect Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, especially any achievements in cost savings or supplier management. We want to see how you can drive change!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement transformation and how your background aligns with our sustainability-focused mission. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for this role.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples of your commercial achievements. Whether it's successful negotiations or building relationships with vendors, we want to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

✨Know Your Procurement Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of strategic sourcing and category management. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven cost savings or improved supplier relationships in your previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts, but that you can apply them effectively.

✨Build Your Story

Prepare a compelling narrative about your career journey so far. Highlight your achievements in procurement and how they align with the responsibilities of the Indirect Category Manager role. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your ambition to grow into a senior position.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Since this role involves building credibility with senior stakeholders, think of ways to showcase your experience in stakeholder engagement. Prepare examples where you’ve acted as a trusted advisor or influenced decision-making processes. This will illustrate your ability to navigate complex organisational structures.

✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability

Given the company's focus on sustainability, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have about sustainable procurement practices. This will demonstrate that you’re not only a fit for the role but also aligned with the company’s values.

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