At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and category management for HR and Professional Services, driving value and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a supportive and inclusive team at Gleeson Recruitment Group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, lifestyle perks, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Embrace inclusivity and be part of a disability confident employer.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while enjoying flexibility and career growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid - 2 days in office + flexibility required)
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 + benefits
About the Opportunity
Are you an experienced Category Manager with a strong background in HR and Professional Services procurement? We're partnering with a repeat client of ours to recruit a commercially astute procurement professional to take ownership of a key indirect spend area, driving value, strengthening supplier relationships, and delivering strategic sourcing initiatives.
The Role
As Category Manager, you will take ownership of HR and Professional Services spend, leading sourcing activity and ensuring best-in-class supplier management across a diverse vendor base. You will be responsible for delivering value through effective procurement strategies, robust contract negotiations, and strong supplier partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end sourcing and category management activity across HR and Professional Services
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives
- Manage tender processes (RFPs/RFQs), ensuring competitive and compliant outcomes
- Negotiate and manage supplier contracts to secure favourable commercial terms
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and governance
- Produce clear MI, reporting, and insights on supplier performance and category spend
About You
We're looking for a commercially astute procurement professional who brings strong experience within HR and/or Professional Services categories. You will combine strong technical procurement capability with excellent stakeholder and supplier management skills, alongside a high level of attention to detail.
Key experience and skills include:
- Proven experience in category management within indirect procurement
- Strong background in HR and/or Professional Services sourcing
- Demonstrable experience leading end-to-end sourcing and tender processes
- Skilled negotiator with a track record of delivering commercial value
- Strong supplier relationship management experience
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary up to £65,000
- Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with service
- Additional lifestyle and wellbeing benefits
- Inclusive and supportive working culture
- Hybrid working model: mandatory office attendance two days per week
- Flexibility required to attend site for key meetings as needed
To apply for the Category Manager position, please click on the apply now button and your CV will be sent directly to the responsible recruiter. We will respond to successful applicants within 7 days, however please feel free to get in touch if you would like any further information about your application.
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.
By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data.
Category Manager - HR & Professional Services in Birmingham employer: Gleeson Recruitment Group
Gleeson Recruitment Group is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including increasing annual leave and lifestyle perks. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee growth, the company fosters a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for procurement professionals to thrive in Birmingham's dynamic market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - HR & Professional Services in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR and Professional Services sectors. 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 needs, especially in category management and supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Bring examples of past successes in securing favourable terms and building strong supplier partnerships. This will demonstrate your value as a Category Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - HR & Professional Services in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in HR and Professional Services procurement, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven value in previous positions.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key in this role, be sure to include examples of successful contract negotiations you've led. This will show us that you have the skills to secure favourable terms and deliver commercial value.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your CV directly and ensure it gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeson Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the HR and Professional Services categories. Understand current trends, challenges, and best practices in procurement. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to describe how you've handled specific situations in the past. Think of examples where you've successfully led sourcing activities or negotiated contracts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since this role involves strong stakeholder engagement, be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with suppliers and internal teams. Highlight any strategies you've used to influence decisions and drive collaboration.
✨Bring Data to the Table
Be prepared to discuss metrics and insights related to supplier performance and category spend. If you have examples of how your procurement strategies have delivered commercial value, make sure to share those. Numbers speak volumes!
