Procurement Category Manager: Property & Retail Transformation in London

Procurement Category Manager: Property & Retail Transformation in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
M

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Procurement team to drive retail transformation and modernise operations.
  • Company: M&S, a leading retailer committed to innovation and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts, competitive holidays, bonuses, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values collaboration and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of retail.
  • Qualifications: Experience in category management and strategic sourcing, with strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Procurement team at a pivotal time for M&S, as we continue to transform our store estate, modernise retail operations and unlock greater commercial value across the business.

We're looking for three Procurement Category Managers to join our Retail and Property Procurement team, reporting into the Head of Procurement, Property and Retail Services.

You'll be part of a high‑performing, collaborative team that works closely with colleagues in Property, Retail, Finance, Legal, and our supplier network.

Together, they deliver meaningful commercial impact in areas central to M&S's future.

  • Key Focus Areas
  • Property

Two of the roles will focus on Property, supporting a spend of approximately £600m and playing an important part in M&S’ New and Renewal Store programme as we continue to expand and modernise our retail footprint across the UK.

You will develop and deliver category strategies across store fit‑out and related areas, including shopfit equipment, flooring, lighting, refrigeration, ovens, racking and furniture.

This is a brilliant opportunity to shape the supply base, identify high‑quality partners, support major store programmes and leverage demand to maximise commercial value.

Retail

One of the roles will focus on Retail Operations, a broad and varied category with spend of approximately £280m.

This includes services and goods such as Security, Cleaning, Waste, Cash Management, Consumables, Carrier Bags, Hangers and Mystery Shopping.

As part of M&S’ Retail Transformation programme, this role will support the modernisation of store operations, driving efficiency, innovation and cost improvement.

Procurement is leading the "Cost Out" agenda, reviewing the supply base, optimising scope, identifying tendering opportunities and negotiating strong commercial outcomes.

Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

  • What you’ll do
  • Building strong, trusted relationships with Property, Retail, Finance, Legal and Procurement colleagues to become a valued commercial partner across the business.
  • Developing and delivering category strategies that support business priorities, commercial objectives and long‑term value creation.
  • Managing end‑to‑end source‑to‑contract activity, including sourcing strategy, market engagement, tendering, negotiation, contract award and use of e Procurement systems.
  • Partnering with Finance and business collaborators to identify, deliver and track cost out, cost mitigation and value protection opportunities.
  • Supporting effective contract governance, supplier relationship management and in‑life commercial control to ensure value is delivered throughout the contract lifecycle.

Who you are

  • Strong category management and strategic sourcing experience, ideally within Property, Retail Operations or a similarly complex commercial environment.
  • Excellent communication and business partner management skills, with the ability to adapt your style, influence effectively and build strong working relationships.
  • Confident negotiation skills, sound commercial judgement and the ability to construct compelling cases for approval.
  • A forward‑thinking and strategic approach, with the confidence to challenge the status quo and identify innovative ways of working.
  • A good understanding of contracts, supplier governance, contract management and supplier relationship management, with experience using e Procurement systems.
  • 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

Everyone’s welcome.

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Procurement Category Manager: Property & Retail Transformation in London employer: MARKS&SPENCER

At MARKS&SPENCER, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. As an Engineering Strategy Lead in Greater London, you will benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth, offers mentorship opportunities, and encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Join us to be part of a team that values excellence and is committed to making a meaningful impact in the retail sector.

M

Contact Details:

MARKS&SPENCER Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager: Property & Retail Transformation 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&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 Manager: Property & Retail Transformation in London

Category Management
Strategic Sourcing
Negotiation Skills
Supplier Relationship Management
Contract Management
eProcurement Systems
Communication Skills

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&SPENCER:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to MARKS&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&SPENCER.

How to prepare for a job interview at MARKS&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&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&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&SPENCER's culture.