At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and deliver savings for top UK brands.
- Company: Dynamic procurement solutions business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, excellent career progression, and exposure to large-scale projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with innovative tools and creative problem-solving.
- Why this job: Join a team that drives sustainable cost reductions and influences major industries.
- Qualifications: 3-7 years of procurement experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
This role is hybrid with 3 days per week in Leamington Spa office. We are currently working exclusively with a leading procurement solutions business in the recruitment of a number of Procurement Category Leaders. We are particularly interested in the below categories but also open to transferable backgrounds:
- Indirects
- Food & Beverages
- FM & Property
Candidates could be subject matter experts in any of the above categories or also be broader generalist procurement specialists with some exposure to any of these categories. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team of Procurement Management Specialists that deliver auditable and sustainable cost base reduction to clients in a variety of industries.
The role will provide you with the opportunity to work with some of the UK's biggest brands across multiple different industries and categories and give you exposure to a variety of exciting large scale procurement transformation programmes. As part of ambitious growth plans across their UK & US offices, this is a great opportunity to join a growing PE backed business with excellent career progression prospects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Interact with key stakeholders and analyse data to create category management approaches
- Advise and agree on the procurement strategy for high spend categories
- Deliver measurable savings through hands-on category management including undertaking tenders, negotiations and auctions
- Influence stakeholders to secure agreement to proposed solutions
- Use of leading edge tools and processes and creative thinking to design solutions which deliver rapid cost savings and improvements in performance
- Sourcing suppliers from the UK and Worldwide to meet needs
Skills & Experience:
- Ideally 3-7 years’ procurement experience in a major UK or international company
- A successful track record in managing and influencing senior stakeholders
- Strong track record of savings delivery within a high spend environment
- Keen commercial business sense
- Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal
- Strong academic (graduate) background and have an agile approach to challenges.
Procurement Category Manager (Permanent) employer: Elite Search Solutions
Contact Detail:
Elite Search Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager (Permanent)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a new role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in categories like Indirects or Food & Beverages. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Category Manager, you'll need to influence stakeholders and deliver savings. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out. Let’s get you that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager (Permanent)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing high spend categories and any relevant achievements in savings delivery. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
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 skills can benefit our dynamic team. Don't forget to mention any specific categories you have experience in, like Indirects or Food & Beverages.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: Since this role involves interacting with key stakeholders, make sure to highlight your experience in influencing and managing relationships. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments in the past.
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 important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elite Search Solutions
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the specific categories mentioned in the job description, like Indirects, Food & Beverages, and FM & Property. Being able to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in these areas will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of concrete examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed high spend categories or influenced stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to follow your thought process.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves tenders and negotiations, be ready to discuss your negotiation strategies. Prepare a few stories that highlight how you’ve delivered measurable savings through effective negotiation tactics, and don’t forget to mention any tools or processes you used.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to interact with key stakeholders by preparing questions that show your interest in their needs and challenges. This not only shows your communication skills but also your proactive approach to understanding the business landscape.