Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic management of HR Services, optimise supplier relationships, and drive category strategy.
- Company: Join a diverse organisation with a centralised procurement function in London.
- Benefits: Competitive rate, flexible onsite work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategies and enhance supply chain performance.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and ability to influence stakeholders.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on sustainability and responsible procurement.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: City of London (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
- 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 in City of London employer: Lorien
Contact Detail:
Lorien Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement world, especially those who have experience in HR Services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s procurement strategies and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their needs and can bring value right from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our hiring team directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and category management, especially in HR Services. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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 role. Share specific examples of your achievements in managing complex categories and influencing stakeholders.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your negotiation skills and commercial acumen. We love candidates who can analyse data and turn insights into actionable strategies, so make sure to include relevant examples in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HR Services and wider Indirects. Understand the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in procurement. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think about how you would handle various stakeholder interactions. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've influenced senior stakeholders or collaborated across teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is key in this role, prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight your approach, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your strong commercial acumen and ability to drive value.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the company's current procurement strategies or how they measure success in the HR Services category. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
