At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead indirect service categories and develop sourcing strategies to maximise value.
- Company: Join Abcam, a life sciences leader making a real impact on health.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, including healthcare and paid time off.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a difference in life sciences while growing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business or Supply Chain Management and 5 years of procurement experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Bring more to life. Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology? At Abcam, one of Danaher's 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact. You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. By harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact—innovating at the speed of life. Progress happens together. At Abcam, we believe the scientific community goes further, faster when we go there together. We work with life scientists to provide biological reagents and solutions enabling breakthroughs in areas like cancer, neurological disorders, infectious diseases and metabolic disorders. Our team of over 1,400 colleagues worldwide is our greatest asset. By applying our expertise and pushing boundaries, we strive to better serve our customers, strengthen our impact across our industry, and ultimately our positive impact on society.
Location: Cambridge, UK. This is an on‑site, permanent role. You will be leading a set of indirect sub categories on behalf of the global indirect procurement function, with a significant portion of the role being focused towards Abcam’s non‑IT service and supplier requirements. This includes MRO, Logistics, and Business Services categories (inc. HR, Legal and Finance). You will utilise broad knowledge of sourcing to develop and execute sourcing strategies with service suppliers that support the business short and long‑term needs—building and maintaining reliable and high‑quality supply strategies at the best possible cost. You will establish the approach to maximising value while maintaining supplier relationships. You will work directly with key business stakeholders to understand strategic initiatives required to support business objectives, as well as opportunities for supply network consolidation and managing business risk. The Category Manager needs to understand market trends and work to identify areas of improvement and leverage to drive additional value for the organisation, while meeting the business requirements. You will use your relationship management, operations optimisation, continuous improvement, contract design & oversight skills to deliver best total cost, pushing the implementation of best practices within the category of responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead indirect service categories.
- Be globally accountable for a cost‑efficient sourcing model for all requirements and locations in scope, including benchmarking the markets specific to the indirect categories and demonstrating best value.
- Partner with relevant internal and external stakeholders to deliver best‑in‑class sourcing for the category, ensuring market trends, dynamics and requirements are ‘fit for purpose’.
- Use category management tools and techniques that address cost, value‑added opportunities, business continuity, quality and service of supply.
- Negotiate contractual terms with suppliers to achieve quality, service and cost targets.
- Manage the end‑to‑end contracting process using our contracts repository and work closely with our legal team to ensure the best commercial terms and value delivery short and long term.
- Create SRM models that address the business needs above and beyond price, developing strategic suppliers and short and long‑term risk and reward models that create gains for the business and supplier base.
- Display a total cost of ownership mindset to drive value within Abcam.
- Apply risk management techniques to mitigate against financial, reputational, legal, business continuity and performance risk exposure.
Requirements
- Degree in Business, Operations / Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.
- Holder of CIPS accreditation or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement and previous experience with most indirect procurement categories.
- Proven track record in creating and executing category management strategies.
- Ability to lead negotiations and deliver cost savings.
- Previous experience leading contract negotiations that minimise or reduce risk exposure to the business.
- Strong influencing skills to manage stakeholders and suppliers.
Benefits
Abcam offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job.
Indirect Procurement Category Manager in Cambridge employer: Expedeon Inc. (an Abcam company)
At Abcam, located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of belonging and innovation. Our comprehensive benefits package, commitment to employee growth, and collaborative work environment empower our team to make a meaningful impact in life sciences and biotechnology. Join us to thrive in a role that not only enhances your career but also contributes to breakthroughs that save lives.
Contact Details:
Expedeon Inc. (an Abcam company) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Procurement Category Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. At Abcam, they value innovation and collaboration, so think about how your skills can contribute to their mission. We suggest practising common interview questions and having your own questions ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples where you’ve made an impact. Use metrics to back up your claims—this will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their goals at Abcam.
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Procurement Category Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Indirect Procurement Category Manager. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially with indirect categories, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with Abcam's mission.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about life sciences and how your skills can make a real difference at Abcam. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of market trends and supplier relationships.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key for this role, provide examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. We want to see how you’ve achieved cost savings while maintaining quality and service—this will really catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. 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 Expedeon Inc. (an Abcam company)
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the indirect service categories you'll be managing. Understand the latest market trends and how they impact procurement strategies. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to lead negotiations effectively, which is crucial for the role.
✨Understand Abcam's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Abcam’s commitment to life sciences and how their work impacts society. Being able to articulate how your role as a Category Manager aligns with their mission will show your genuine interest in the company and its goals.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about their procurement strategies and challenges. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also your strategic thinking. It’s a great way to engage in a two-way conversation and leave a lasting impression.
