At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing activities and develop category strategies for various indirect spend areas.
- Company: Join a national law firm that values teamwork and inclusivity.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, flexible pension, paid volunteering days, and well-being initiatives.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse workplace committed to social responsibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
We’re a national law firm with a local reach.
Our legal experts are here for you.
Whether it’s personal or business, we understand that everyone’s situation is different.
But we’re more than just a law firm – we’re a team of people working together to help individuals and businesses navigate life’s ups and downs.
Working here you’ll feel a part of our friendly and inclusive environment.
We’ll value you for who you are and what you bring.
We support each other and push boundaries to achieve incredible things and make a real difference to our clients and communities.
We're always looking to support our colleagues to work in a way that works best for them and everyone else, including our clients, the business and the regulators.
Please speak to a member of our Recruitment and Onboarding team for more information.
Your Role and What You'll Be Doing
As a Category Manager, you'll support the delivery of sourcing activity and contribute to the development of category strategies across a broad range of indirect spend areas.
You’ll
- Deliver end-to-end sourcing activity, including supplier selection, negotiation and contracting.
- Partner with stakeholders to understand requirements and provide commercial insight.
- Build and maintain effective supplier relationships.
- Support supplier performance and contract management activity.
- Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, efficiency improvements and value delivery.
- Ensure all procurement activity aligns with governance and compliance requirements.
- Use data, spend analysis and market insight to inform sourcing decisions and category strategies.
- Support the development and implementation of category plans that deliver commercial and operational benefits across the business.
About You
We’re looking for a commercially minded procurement professional with a strong foundation in category management and strategic sourcing.
You’ll bring
- Experience delivering end-to-end sourcing and procurement activity.
- Experience managing indirect spend categories such as Marketing, Facilities Management, HR, Professional Services, Learning & Development, Travel, or Corporate Services.
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation capability.
- Knowledge of contract management, supplier performance management and supplier due diligence.
- The ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.
- An understanding of procurement governance and compliance frameworks.
- Strong relationship-building skills and the confidence to influence stakeholders at varying levels across the business
- Our Benefits - What We Can Offer You
- 25 days holidays as standard plus bank holidays - You can ‘buy’ up to 35hrs of extra holiday too.
- Generous and flexible pension schemes.
- Volunteering days – Two days of volunteering every year for a cause of your choice (fully paid)
- Westfield Health membership, offering refunds on medical services alongside our Aviva Digital GP services.
We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.
This includes our Flexible by Choice programme which gives our colleagues more choice over a hybrid way of working subject to role, team and client requirements.
We have been ranked in the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing for Large Organisations for 2024!
Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose.
We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim.
Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are.
It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.
Additional Information
As part of the Irwin Mitchell Group’s on-boarding process all successful applicants are required to complete the group’s employment screening process.
This process helps to ensure that all new employees meet our standards in relation to honesty and integrity therefore protecting the interests of the Group, colleagues, clients, partners and other stakeholders.
We carry out pre employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record and financial checks with our trusted 3rd parties.
The employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.
Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.
- We’re proud of our values, and we’re looking for people who share them
- Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Newbury, Reading, Sheffield
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Category Manager in Birmingham employer: Irwin Mitchell LLP
Irwin Mitchell LLP is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in the vibrant city of Leeds. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a range of perks that enhance work-life balance, making it a rewarding place to build a career in facilities and office services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Birmingham
✨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 Irwin Mitchell LLP.
✨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 Category Manager in Birmingham
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 Irwin Mitchell LLP:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Irwin Mitchell LLP. 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 Irwin Mitchell LLP.
How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin Mitchell LLP
✨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 Irwin Mitchell LLP!
✨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 Irwin Mitchell LLP. 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 Irwin Mitchell LLP's culture.
