At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape procurement strategies and build strong supplier partnerships to drive business growth.
- Company: Join Jagex, a leading game developer with a passion for creating immersive online worlds.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, flexible hours, generous leave, and a performance bonus.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth in a creative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while working on exciting projects in gaming.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strategic sourcing with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
This position employs a hybrid working model. You must be able to work from our office in Cambridgeshire 2 days per week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Applicants should be based (or be willing to relocate) within a comfortable commuting distance of our office to attend onsite as required.
Are you a commercially minded procurement professional who has proven experience building strong supplier partnerships, delivering strategic value, and driving business growth? As an Indirect Category Manager at Jagex, you'll play a key role in shaping how we source and manage the services that support our business. Working across categories including Professional Services, Marketing, Merchandise, Facilities, and HR, you'll develop category strategies, lead commercial negotiations, and build trusted relationships with stakeholders and suppliers alike.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing Procurement team where you'll combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, helping to build a best-in-class procurement function that supports Jagex's continued growth, operational excellence, and commercial success.
- Develop and own category strategies across a range of indirect spend areas, aligned with business priorities and the Procurement roadmap.
- Lead sourcing activities from market analysis and supplier selection through to RFPs, negotiations, contracting, and implementation.
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, driving innovation, performance, and long-term value.
- Ensure suppliers are onboarded and maintained within Jagex's supplier risk management platform.
- Deliver measurable commercial value through cost optimisation, risk mitigation, supply continuity, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Analyse spend, contracts, and supplier performance data to provide actionable commercial insights that support strategic decision-making.
- Secure the best commercial outcomes through effective negotiation, market intelligence, and total cost of ownership analysis.
- Partner closely with stakeholders across the business, aligning procurement strategies with operational needs while building trust and influencing decision-making.
- Support the ongoing evolution of procurement policies, governance, systems, and automation to improve efficiency and maturity across the function.
Proven experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Category Management across indirect spend categories. Demonstrated success delivering commercial value through supplier negotiations, sourcing, and contract management. Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement/supplier management platforms such as Canopy, Coupa, SAP, Oracle or similar. Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance cost, quality, risk, and long-term value. Experience developing category strategies using spend analysis, market intelligence, and business priorities. Excellent stakeholder management skills with the confidence to influence and challenge constructively. Experience managing supplier performance and developing strategic supplier partnerships. Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into meaningful commercial insights. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
When you join Jagex you can look forward to a generous Perks & Benefits package including:
- Private Healthcare, including Dental Plan.
- Minimum 6% Pension contributions.
- Employee Assistance Programme & onsite Counselling.
- Life Insurance.
- Discretionary annual performance bonus.
- Enhanced family leave policies from day 1.
- Flexible working hours.
- 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays & the option to buy/sell holidays + so much more!
Inclusion & Accessibility Statement: We are committed to providing equal opportunities and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Right to Work Statement: This role is only open to applicants who have the permanent right to work in the UK. Applicants must therefore be able to demonstrate their ongoing eligibility to work in the UK without the need for employer sponsorship.
Procurement and Vendor Management Manager in Cambridge employer: Jagex
Jagex is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, where innovation and creativity are highly valued. Located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, employees benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development within the finance sector. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on enhancing skills through meaningful projects, Jagex stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career in revenue analysis.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Vendor Management Manager in Cambridge
✨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 Jagex.
✨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 and Vendor Management Manager in Cambridge
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 Jagex:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Jagex. 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 Jagex.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jagex
✨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 Jagex!
✨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 Jagex. 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 Jagex's culture.