At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement and drive supplier value in a transforming global bank.
- Company: Join a leading global bank focused on innovation and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence major transformations.
- Other info: Be part of a multi-year transformation programme with significant career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategy and business outcomes in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in category management and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A leading global bank is transforming into a technology-driven organisation, placing innovation, customer focus, and operational excellence at the centre of its strategy. Our people are key to this journey, helping shape the future through bold thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to join a business undergoing significant transformation and play a pivotal role in driving strategic procurement and supplier value across the organisation.
The Cost & Procurement function is leading a multi-year transformation programme designed to maximise value from a complex supplier ecosystem. The team is focused on creating a best-in-class operating model that connects the right external expertise to business needs while delivering value, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing risk effectively.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager – Procurement to support the Head of Category & Sourcing and drive category excellence across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the development and execution of category strategies.
- Translate procurement strategy into commercially successful outcomes that deliver value beyond cost savings.
- Provide market intelligence, benchmarking, and commercial insights to support strategic decision-making.
- Drive stakeholder engagement and build trusted relationships across the business.
- Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team.
- Act as a category and sourcing subject matter expert.
- Manage supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Promote effective use of procurement tools, systems, and best practices.
- Support organisational transformation and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Deliver measurable commercial value while balancing risk, quality, and service outcomes.
- Proven track record in category management.
- Experience managing complex supplier contracts and commercial negotiations.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and deliver strategic procurement outcomes.
- Procurement transformation experience.
- Experience operating within a complex, regulated environment.
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
- CIPS qualification advantageous.
- Strong commercial acumen.
- Cost analysis and value optimisation expertise.
- Knowledge of procurement systems and sourcing tools.
- Strong analytical and market assessment capabilities.
- Exceptional stakeholder management.
- Strong leadership and coaching capabilities.
- Strategic problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to influence, negotiate, and drive change across large organisations.
This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact within a large-scale transformation programme, influencing procurement strategy, supplier performance, and business outcomes. You'll work with senior stakeholders, lead talented teams, and help shape the future of procurement within a leading global financial institution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - NOT HYBRID (Permanent) in Glasgow
✨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 Lorien.
✨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 - NOT HYBRID (Permanent) in Glasgow
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 Lorien:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Lorien. 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 Lorien.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨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 Lorien!
✨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 Lorien. 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 Lorien's culture.
