At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement, manage supplier relationships, and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading commercial organisation in the pharmaceuticals industry with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work closely with senior stakeholders on business-critical projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing stakeholders and delivering commercial value.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
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.
Procurement in Stevenage employer: Hays
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement in Stevenage
✨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 Hays.
✨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 in Stevenage
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 Hays:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hays. 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 Hays.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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 Hays!
✨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 Hays. 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 Hays's culture.
