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- Tasks: Lead category strategies for professional services and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on optimising procurement activities globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a role that combines strategy, negotiation, and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in procurement and contract management required.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to grow in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The role will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies for professional services, including consulting, legal, financial, and other related services. The Category Manager – Professional Services will also work on master agreements with our suppliers to ensure streamlined procurement activities globally.
Skills / experience
- Extensive experience in professional services procurement.
- Experience / Knowledge of category, supplier, and contract management (specifically contracts over £1m).
- Experience of marking up statements of work, and the ability to translate and communicate the effect of contractual language to stakeholders.
- Experience of procuring and negotiating contracts.
- Experience running end-to-end RFPs for senior stakeholders.
- Experience of implementing procurement policy, procedures, and governance.
- Experience operating at both a tactical and strategic level with a track record of success in delivering financial savings.
Role
- Strategy and Planning
- Develop and implement category strategies to optimise cost, quality, and service levels for professional services.
- Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to identify trends, opportunities, and best practices.
- Lead the sourcing process, including RFPs, RFQs, and contract negotiations.
- Manage supplier relationships, including performance management, risk assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure alignment with category strategies.
- Monitor and report on category performance, including savings, compliance, and supplier performance metrics.
- Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory changes that may impact the category.
- Comply with all Group Procurement policies and procedures in conjunction with department leads and department-specific requirements.
- Direct and manage sourcing strategies from beginning to end.
- Define purchasing recommendations that support business goals, in collaboration with management and stakeholders.
- Negotiate pricing and terms and conditions of contracts with contractors and/or service providers.
- Monitor service provider, outsourcer, and/or contractor performance to ensure quality of service.
- Provide periodic oversight and execution of vendor requalification.
- Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the organisation’s executives, department heads, and end users regarding pertinent sourcing activities.
- Effectively communicate procurement strategies to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear way.
- Manage escalated issues between the service provider and the company and coordinate key mitigation actions.
Desirable:
- Working knowledge of the Category Management process.
- MCIPs qualified or willing to work towards a CIPS qualification.
- Experience working in an environment where customer needs are variable.
- Experience working under category management-based approaches.
- Experience implementing best practice contract and supplier management.
- Proficient using PowerPoint and Excel.
- Experience of presenting to senior stakeholders.
- Using self-directed work to draw insights in support of influencing senior stakeholders.
Excellent role, team and company, apply now!!!
Category Manager - Professional Services employer: Initialize
Contact Detail:
Initialize Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Professional Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the procurement and category management field. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with others who may have insights or opportunities related to the Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and best practices in professional services procurement. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience with RFPs and contract negotiations. Be ready to articulate how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and delivered financial savings in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to communicate complex contractual language clearly. Practice explaining how you've translated legal terms for stakeholders in the past, as this skill is crucial for the Category Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Professional Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in professional services procurement. Focus on specific achievements related to category, supplier, and contract management, especially those involving contracts over £1m.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to develop and implement category strategies. Mention your experience with RFPs and contract negotiations, and how these skills align with the role's requirements.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills in market analysis, supplier relationship management, and performance monitoring. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate your tactical and strategic capabilities.
Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions about your experience with procurement policies and procedures. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully delivered financial savings and managed stakeholder communications in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Initialize
✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in professional services procurement. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of contracts you've managed, especially those over £1m, and how you successfully navigated the complexities involved.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Discuss your approach to developing and implementing category strategies. Share insights on how you've conducted market analysis and benchmarking in the past, and how these efforts led to optimised cost, quality, and service levels.
✨Prepare for RFP Discussions
Since running end-to-end RFPs is a key part of the role, be ready to talk about your experience in this area. Bring examples of successful negotiations and how you managed stakeholder expectations throughout the process.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is crucial, especially when dealing with senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your procurement strategies clearly and concisely, and be prepared to explain how you've managed escalated issues in the past.
