At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of technology delivery through sourcing and contract development.
- Company: Join M&S, a fast-moving and inclusive company with a strong sense of purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to doing the right thing.
- Why this job: Make a measurable impact while building strong relationships and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence business partners.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Step into the role of Procurement Category Manager - Digital and Technology (D&T) and help shape the future of how we deliver technology across the business. You’ll play a key part in sourcing, commercial analysis and contract development to support our Digital, Data and Technology priorities. Working closely with partners across Procurement, Finance and D&T you’ll bring insight, commercial confidence and critical thinking to ensure we secure the right solutions that enable innovation and long‑term value. If you are passionate about building strong relationships, contributing to meaningful change and seeing the results of your work come to life, this role offers the perfect platform to make a measurable impact.
Please note this role is a 12 month fixed term contract.
What you’ll do
- Capability to review, interpret and negotiate contractual terms and conditions within defined commercial and legal guardrails, ensuring alignment with the M&S Legal Playbook
- Build effective working relationships with D&T, Finance and Procurement colleagues to support collaborative decision making
- Bring external insights to help shape forward‑looking Category Plans aligned with the Digital & Technology strategy
- Work with Finance to align and embed commercial benefits within the Budget
- Manage end‑to‑end Source to Contract activity including strategy creation, market testing, evaluation, negotiation and contract award
- Oversee the business contracts approvals process ensuring all governance documentation and approvals are completed to a high standard
Who you are
- Strong commercial and negotiation capability across D&T categories
- Ability to influence and partner confidently with business partners
- Adaptable communication style suited to a range of audiences
- Analytical and forward‑looking approach with the ability to contribute to category strategy
- Skilled in supplier performance improvement and the delivery of innovation
What’s in it for you
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you’ve completed your probation
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal
- Market‑leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you
Equal Opportunity and Diversity
We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.
Support & Reasonable Adjustments
If you feel you’d benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Category Manager - Digital & Technology 12 Month Fixed Term Contract in London employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, particularly within the Corporate HR technology team. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and benefits. Working in a dynamic location, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects that enhance the colleague experience throughout their journey with the company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Digital & Technology 12 Month Fixed Term Contract in London
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Digital & Technology 12 Month Fixed Term Contract in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Marks and Spencer that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Marks and Spencer can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Marks and Spencer that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Marks and Spencer know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
