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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and category management in cybersecurity for a major insurance client.
- Company: Join a leading insurance firm with a focus on innovation and security.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in cybersecurity while collaborating with global teams.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in IT procurement, strong negotiation skills, and cybersecurity knowledge.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement in a thriving industry.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Category Manager – HR Services
Location: City ofLondon (2-3 days per week onsite)
Duration: 6 Months
Rate: £450 – £500
Are you an experienced Procurement professional with strong category knowledge across HR Services and wider Indirects? This is an exciting opportunity to join a centralised procurement function within a large, diverse, and nationally dispersed organisation. You’ll play a key role in driving value, optimising supplier relationships and shaping category strategy across multiple business areas.
The Role
As Category Manager, you will take ownership of the HR Services & Professional Services category, with particular focus on:
- Recruitment
- Contract audit exercises to recover overcharges (tender process started)
- SOW / consultancy spend review, strategy formation, and execution of services procurement, delivering savings in this space under professional services
- Expansion of the current MSP + manage the contract
- Occupational Health Tender
You will work closely with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver best‑in‑class procurement strategies, enhance supply chain performance, and drive measurable value.
Key Responsibilities
Category Management
- Lead strategic management of the HR Services category, including spend analysis, forecasting and supplier market assessment
- Develop category strategies in partnership with operational and procurement stakeholders
- Lead RFP/RFQ processes, supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and supplier performance reviews
- Identify and deliver savings, efficiencies, and continuous improvement
- Support major programmes such as system upgrades, mobile telephony renewals, and technology transformation projects
- Provide commercial input to bids, mobilisation, and de‑mobilisation activities
- Drive effective cost benchmarking and e‑procurement practices
- Maintain accurate reporting on compliance, spend and savings
Risk, Governance & Sustainability
- Support risk reviews and mitigation planning
- Promote safe procurement practices and compliance with HSE requirements
- Lead initiatives relating to sustainability, DE&I, and responsible procurement
Leadership & Collaboration
- Build positive relationships with HR, Finance, Project Delivery, and senior leadership teams
- Provide expert guidance to stakeholders across multiple business units
- Promote the use of framework agreements and procurement best practice
- Support development and training of team members
About You
You will bring:
- 5+ years’ experience in a senior procurement or category management role
- Proven success managing complex Indirect categories (ideally including HR Services)
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders across a matrixed organisation
- Ability to analyse complex data and translate insights into strategy
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Proactive, collaborative approach with strong prioritisation and planning abilities
- Familiarity with supplier performance management and standard forms of contract
Category Manager employer: Lorien
Contact Detail:
Lorien Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cybersecurity and procurement space. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. We want you to showcase your experience in leading complex sourcing discussions. Practice common interview questions related to stakeholder management and supplier risk workflows.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your familiarity with procurement platforms like Ariba. We suggest you bring examples of how you’ve used these tools effectively in past roles to the table during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! We’re here to help you find the right fit, so make sure you submit your application directly with us. It’s the best way to get noticed and kickstart your journey towards that exciting Category Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in IT Procurement and Category Management, especially in cybersecurity. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this Category Manager role. Share specific examples of your sourcing and negotiation successes that relate to the job description.
Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills: Since strong stakeholder management is key for this role, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with global teams. We love seeing how you’ve navigated complex relationships in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨Know Your Cybersecurity Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and tools in cybersecurity. Familiarise yourself with key concepts and be ready to discuss how they relate to procurement and category management.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of complex sourcing and negotiations you've led in the past. Be specific about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your expertise in the field.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've managed relationships with global teams before. Be ready to share strategies that helped you communicate effectively and align goals across different departments.
✨Highlight Relevant Certifications
If you have professional certifications like CIPS, make sure to mention them. They can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to the field of procurement.
