At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovative procurement strategies and strengthen supplier partnerships across various categories.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team at Marks & Spencer, shaping the future of retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Join a forward thinking Procurement team that plays a pivotal role in shaping commercial success across Fashion, Home, Beauty and Food. As a Procurement Category Buyer, you'll uncover untapped value, strengthen supplier partnerships and drive innovative, sustainable outcomes that support M&S teams across more than 650 suppliers. By bringing sharp market insight, challenge and governance, you'll help teams reduce cost, manage risk and deliver outstanding commercial results, while developing your own expertise in a collaborative, fast paced environment.
What you’ll do
- Build strong, positive relationships with business partners across Procurement, Finance and the wider business.
- Support and deliver cross category procurement strategies using market insight and data driven decision making.
- Lead end to end sourcing activity, including strategy development, market testing, negotiation and contract award.
- Embed commercial benefits in partnership with Finance and drive ESG considerations across procurement activity.
- Be responsible for approvals and contracting processes to ensure robust governance and best commercial terms.
Who you are
- Procurement experience with strong commercial and analytical capability.
- Confident communicator able to influence, challenge constructively and build strong networks.
- Proven ability to manage multiple sourcing projects and deliver impactful results.
- Skilled negotiator with experience drafting contracts and shaping commercial terms.
- Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint and procurement systems, comfortable navigating ambiguity and change.
What’s in it for you?
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We’re inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing. Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 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.
We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen.
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.
If you feel you’d benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to 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.
Procurement Category Buyer in London employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Procurement Category Buyer, you'll benefit from competitive perks such as a generous colleague discount, tailored training, and robust wellbeing support, all while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of retail. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a focus on sustainability, M&S empowers you to make a real impact in your role and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Buyer in London
✨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 Marks and Spencer.
✨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 Category Buyer in London
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 Marks and Spencer:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Marks and Spencer. 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 Marks and Spencer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨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 Marks and Spencer!
✨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 Marks and Spencer. 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 Marks and Spencer's culture.
