Senior Category Manager - External Talent (Contingent Workforce) in London
Senior Category Manager - External Talent (Contingent Workforce)

Senior Category Manager - External Talent (Contingent Workforce) in London

London Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a high-impact portfolio managing external talent and drive innovative procurement strategies.
  • Company: Join McKinsey & Company, a global leader in consulting with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy continuous learning, a voice that matters, and exceptional benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping strategies that enhance business outcomes and colleague experiences.
  • Qualifications: 7+ years in sourcing or category management; strong analytical and communication skills required.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth in a fast-paced environment.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

You are someone who thrives in a high-performance environment, bringing a growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit to tackle meaningful challenges that have a real impact. In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we’ll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help you quickly broaden your expertise, grow into a well-rounded professional, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference.

What You’ll Get

  • Continuous learning
  • A voice that matters
  • Global community
  • Exceptional benefits

Your Impact

As Senior Category Manager for External Talent Category (e.g. Non-Tech External Worker (EW) and Advisor) you will lead a high-impact, enterprise-wide portfolio encompassing hundreds of suppliers across a diverse external worker and advisor supplier domain. You will be accountable for shaping and executing a comprehensive category strategy that supports the firm’s broader business objectives, driving financial value, ensuring regulatory and policy compliance, advancing sustainable procurement practices, and enhancing the colleague’s experience. In this strategic role, you will define the long-term direction of the Non-Tech EW and Advisor categories by developing forward-looking plans, building strong cross-functional partnerships, and fostering relationships with top-tier and niche external worker providers. You’ll drive innovation and efficiency in how the firm sources and manages external worker and advisor engagements, particularly in complex or high-risk areas—ensuring that supplier relationships deliver measurable business outcomes. You will collaborate closely with global and local business leaders to identify and act on opportunities to rationalize the supplier landscape, expand strategic partnerships, and optimize costs without compromising quality, performance, or client satisfaction. A strong focus will be placed on risk mitigation, improving contract structures, and ensuring invoice accuracy and audit readiness. Through disciplined supplier performance management and strategic sourcing initiatives, you will streamline procurement operations, reduce complexity, and unlock economies of scale. You will also serve as a key knowledge hub—building and leveraging relationships with industry experts, peer organizations, and suppliers to continuously enhance the firm’s category management capabilities and bring best-in-class thinking into procurement decisions. Your work will drive the evolution to a scalable and sustainable strategy that continuously unlocks value through supplier relationship management, operational efficiencies and financial impact that empowers the Firm to scale and innovate effectively.

Your Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, PhD) or equivalent practical experience strongly preferred
  • 7 years of experience in sourcing, category management, procurement, or consulting, with a strong track record of delivering business value
  • Proven experience in managing a large global contingent workforce program is preferred
  • Proven ability to assess complex problems, synthesize insights, and drive data-backed decisions. Skilled in creating and interpreting analytical outputs, including Excel models and category performance reports
  • Ability to produce high-quality deliverables, including PowerPoint presentations, sourcing documentation, contract summaries, and other written materials that support decision-making
  • Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, balance long- and short-term goals, and see initiatives through from concept to execution
  • Strong time management and attention to detail in a dynamic, fast paced, and often autonomous work environment
  • Demonstrated ability to drive structured processes and deliver consistent, repeatable outcomes
  • Adept at building trusted relationships across functions, geographies, and levels of seniority
  • Ability to influence without authority and work effectively in cross-functional teams
  • Embraces a collaborative, non-hierarchical approach and fosters a culture of mutual respect and accountability
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to a variety of audiences and seniority levels. Comfortable presenting to, and influencing, senior stakeholders.

Senior Category Manager - External Talent (Contingent Workforce) in London employer: Mckinsey & Company

At McKinsey & Company, we pride ourselves on fostering a high-performance culture that champions continuous learning and innovation. As a Senior Category Manager, you will benefit from exceptional resources and mentorship, enabling you to grow into a well-rounded professional while making a meaningful impact in a global community. Our commitment to employee development, coupled with outstanding benefits and a collaborative work environment, makes us an excellent employer for those seeking to drive change and excel in their careers.
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Contact Detail:

Mckinsey & Company Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - External Talent (Contingent Workforce) in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or attend industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Category Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in managing external talent. Tailor your answers to highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex procurement strategies and supplier management.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can bring their entrepreneurial spirit to our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager - External Talent (Contingent Workforce) in London

Category Management
Procurement
Sourcing
Data Analysis
Analytical Skills
Supplier Relationship Management
Contract Management
Project Management
Communication Skills
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Influencing Skills
Presentation Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Experience: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in sourcing and category management. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've delivered business value in previous roles, especially if you've managed a large contingent workforce program.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.

Be Clear and Concise: We love a well-structured application! Make sure your written materials are clear and concise. Use bullet points where appropriate and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. This will help your application stand out.

Apply Through Our Website: Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mckinsey & Company

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into McKinsey & Company's values and recent projects. Understand their approach to external talent management and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also in the company’s mission.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to develop and execute category strategies. Think about times you've driven financial value or improved supplier relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.

✨Be Data-Driven

Since the role involves assessing complex problems and making data-backed decisions, come prepared with examples of how you've used data analytics in your previous roles. Discuss specific tools or models you've used, and be ready to explain how they influenced your decision-making.

✨Build Rapport

During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the team culture. This not only shows your interest but also demonstrates your collaborative spirit, which is key for this role.

Senior Category Manager - External Talent (Contingent Workforce) in London
Mckinsey & Company
Location: London

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