At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive value.
- Company: Join a leading international vehicle and fleet mobility provider based in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, generous leave, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while making a real impact on business success.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain management with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol (Office 2 days/week)
Package: £40-50,000 plus 10% bonus and excellent benefits
Overview: One of the largest providers of vehicles and fleet mobility internationally. Based out of Bristol and due to the continued growth of our Procurement function, we are looking for an experienced Procurement Category Lead to join the team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in delivering the UK procurement strategy, leading sourcing activity across key spend categories and helping to shape the future of procurement. Working closely with business stakeholders, suppliers and Group Procurement colleagues, you will drive commercial value, support operational excellence and ensure best practice is embedded across the organisation. As a trusted procurement partner, you'll take ownership of category strategies from initial sourcing through to contract management and supplier performance, ensuring the business achieves the right balance of cost, quality, service and risk management.
Responsibilities:
- Developing and delivering sourcing strategies across assigned procurement categories
- Managing category pipelines, contract renewals and supplier consolidation activities to maximise value and efficiency
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and provide strategic procurement support
- Leading sourcing and contract negotiations to achieve commercial and operational benefits
- Supporting the ongoing integration and development of procurement processes, policies and governance frameworks
- Working collaboratively with Group Procurement teams to support planning, forecasting and broader business objectives
- Monitoring market trends, supplier developments and industry best practice to identify opportunities and mitigate risks
- Using spend analysis and management information to provide insight, support decision-making and strengthen procurement controls
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing, contract management and supplier performance
- Ensuring all procurement activity is delivered in line with regulatory, governance and compliance requirements
Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience in procurement, category management or supply chain management
- Experience managing sourcing projects, supplier relationships and commercial contracts
- Strong stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills
- Commercially minded with experience managing complex or high-value spend categories
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insight into action
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results
- A proactive, self-motivated approach with a passion for continuous improvement
- Strong communication skills and the ability to produce clear business cases, reports and proposals
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
- Experience working within a regulated environment and knowledge of the automotive, leasing or wider operational supply chain sector is highly advantageous.
What we offer:
- Salary: £40,000-£50,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience
- Competitive pension scheme
- Annual salary review and bonus scheme
- Give As You Earn (GAYE) scheme
- Employee referral scheme (£1,000)
- Retail discounts programme
- GymFlex membership options
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Life Assurance
- Health assessment options
- Travel insurance
- Dental insurance
- Critical illness cover
- Personal accident insurance
Time Off & Work-Life Balance:
- 25 days annual leave + an additional Celebration Day
- 37.5 hour week, Monday to Friday, no weekends
- Holiday buy & sell scheme
- Volunteer days
- Time allocated for personal development
- Study support (where applicable)
Workplace & On-Site Facilities:
- Free parking (limited)
- EV charging points
- Bike storage & shower facilities
- Complimentary breakfast
- Staff and social events
Procurement Category Manager in London employer: Critical Selection Limited
As a growing automotive OEM in the West Midlands, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. We offer competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages career growth, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the automotive sector.
Contact Details:
Critical Selection Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Critical Selection Limited.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Critical Selection Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Critical Selection Limited. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Critical Selection Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Critical Selection Limited
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Critical Selection Limited!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Critical Selection Limited. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Critical Selection Limited's culture.
