Procurement in Watford

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Procurement Manager / Category Manager to join a leading commercial organisation undergoing continued growth and transformation. Based in Hertfordshire with hybrid working, this role offers the opportunity to lead strategic procurement activity, manage key supplier relationships, and deliver commercial value across a portfolio of indirect spend categories.

This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional who enjoys influencing stakeholders, driving innovation, and developing category strategies that support long-term business objectives.

As Procurement Manager, you will take ownership of a portfolio of indirect spend categories, managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle from strategy development through to supplier management and contract delivery. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing category strategies aligned to business objectives
• Leading strategic sourcing activities, supplier selection, and tender exercises
• Managing RFPs and supplier evaluations using balanced scorecard methodologies
• Building robust business cases and procurement recommendations for stakeholder approval
• Negotiating and managing contracts to deliver value, minimise risk, and ensure strong commercial outcomes
• Managing supplier relationships and driving continuous improvements in service, quality, cost, sustainability, and innovation
• Working closely with stakeholders to understand requirements and influence procurement decisions
• Supporting compliance, governance, and procurement best practice across the organisation
• Analysing spend, market trends, and supplier performance to identify value creation opportunities

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven experience as a Procurement Manager, Category Manager, Strategic Buyer, or Senior Procurement Specialist
• Strong category management, sourcing, and contract negotiation experience
• Experience managing indirect spend categories, ideally including HR, travel, professional services, or corporate services
• Good understanding of IR35 requirements and associated supplier engagement considerations
• Experience using ERP systems, ideally Oracle or similar platforms
• Strong commercial, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing capabilities
• Ability to develop strategic supplier partnerships and deliver measurable value
• Professional, collaborative, and results-oriented approach
• CIPS qualification or progress towards MCIPS would be advantageous

Competitive salary and benefits package. Hybrid working with 2-3 days per week in the Hertfordshire office. Opportunity to lead strategic procurement and category management initiatives. Exposure to senior stakeholders and business-critical projects. Supportive and collaborative culture. Excellent opportunities for career development and progression.

If you're an ambitious Procurement Manager or Category Manager looking to take ownership of strategic spend categories and drive commercial value within a large, complex organisation, we'd love to hear from you.