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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team as a Strategic Category Manager, driving procurement excellence and managing major projects.
- Company: Be part of a prestigious FTSE 100 Financial Services Firm with global expansion and award-winning sourcing.
- Benefits: Enjoy tailored training, career progression opportunities, and a competitive salary package.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-growing function while learning from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Indirect Procurement and a degree from a leading institution required.
- Other info: Work three days a week in Leeds and aim for management within 12-18 months.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
This prestigious £Multi-Billion FTSE 100 Financial Services Firm is enjoying rapid global expansion and is pouring investment into an already award-winning best-in-class Sourcing Hub. As a result, the Firm has created a new position for an ambitious Indirect Strategic Sourcing expert to join their journey.
As a Strategic Sourcing Specialist within this fast-growing function, you will receive one-to-one training and development from senior sponsors to enable your progression within 12 months, and have a phenomenal opportunity to create a legacy for yourself within largely untapped spend categories. The client is happy to look at candidates either from a Directs or Indirects category background.
Key role involvements:
- Being a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in contract drafting, negotiating with major global suppliers and liaising, persuading and collaborating with senior stakeholders and legal specialists.
- Support the Global Category Managers with the implementation and communication of the Procurement strategy plan for categories including supplier management as appropriate.
- Driving compliance and best practice throughout the Strategic Sourcing process.
- Creating RFIs & RFPs to support major £Multi-Million procurement projects, skillfully handling complex tenders from beginning to end.
- Reporting directly into the Procurement & Supplier Management Director, learning from them and their team of Procurement experts and enjoying a personally tailored development programme to ensure your promotion to Management within 12-18 months.
Required experience, skills & qualifications:
- Proven experience within Indirect Procurement with the ability to work across multiple sub-categories.
- Demonstrable experience operating in a commercially focused, strategic procurement team with strong analytical experience.
- Experience of managing end-to-end procurement processes over multiple projects.
- Degree from a leading institution.
- Strong knowledge of procurement / sourcing / supplier contracts, with significant experience of contract drafting and skillful negotiation.
- The ability to operate in a commercially savvy and highly intelligent environment, being credible and authoritative with senior stakeholders and legal experts.
If you are an ambitious and highly intelligent procurement, sourcing and contracts management specialist looking for a prestigious FTSE 100 company in which to invest and progress to Management, this could be an excellent career move for you.
To apply please send your CV directly to or apply through this forum.
Procurement - Strategic Category Manager employer: 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 Procurement - Strategic Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in strategic sourcing. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in procurement.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific categories mentioned in the job description. Research the latest developments and challenges in indirect procurement to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with contract drafting and negotiation in detail. Think of specific examples where you successfully managed complex tenders or improved supplier relationships, as these will be key talking points.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've used data to drive procurement decisions in the past. Highlight any tools or methodologies you've employed to enhance procurement processes.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement - Strategic Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in indirect procurement and strategic sourcing. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in contract drafting, negotiation, and managing end-to-end procurement processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your ambition and intelligence. Explain why you are interested in this position and how your background aligns with the company's goals. Mention your ability to work with senior stakeholders and your experience in creating RFIs and RFPs.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your analytical skills and your experience in a commercially focused procurement team. Be sure to mention any specific achievements or projects that demonstrate your capability in handling complex tenders.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you apply through the specified channels, whether it's sending your CV directly or applying through the forum. Double-check that all required documents are included and that your application is submitted before the deadline.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Strategic Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your knowledge in contract drafting and negotiation. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed supplier relationships or negotiated contracts, highlighting the outcomes.
✨Understand the Company’s Procurement Strategy
Research the firm's procurement strategy and recent projects. Being able to discuss how your skills align with their goals will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since the role involves liaising with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Think of scenarios where you've had to persuade or collaborate with others, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
The job requires strong analytical capabilities. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Consider bringing examples of reports or analyses you've conducted that led to successful procurement outcomes.
