Category Lead - Consultant in London

Category Lead - Consultant in London

London Full-Time 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Michael Page Finance

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic procurement and drive cost optimisation in a dynamic consultancy environment.
  • Company: Established UK consultancy with a strong reputation in construction and infrastructure.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and clear progression pathways.
  • Other info: Join a forward-thinking team and contribute to exciting transformation initiatives.
  • Why this job: Shape procurement strategy and make a real impact on high-value projects.
  • Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement and strong negotiation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

  • An exciting opportunity to join a growing consultancy.
  • Manage full Procurement within a consultancy setting.
  • About Our Client

Our client is a well-established UK organisation within the construction, infrastructure, and professional services space, with a strong reputation for delivering complex, high-value projects across both public and private sectors.

Job Description

  • These positions sit within a high-performing procurement function and will focus on:
  • Leading end-to-end sourcing activity across designated categories
  • Driving cost optimisation, supplier performance, and value creation initiatives
  • Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders at senior level
  • Supporting the development of category strategies aligned to business objectives
  • Managing and negotiating with key strategic suppliers
  • Contributing to ongoing procurement transformation and best practice improvements
  • The Successful Applicant

We're looking to engage candidates with

  • Proven experience in strategic procurement / category management
  • Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capability
  • Experience operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
  • Background in large corporate, consulting, or regulated environments preferred
  • Background in Public Sector environments
  • An understanding of PA23 regulations.
  • Experience in Infrastructure based environments
  • What's on Offer
  • What you can expect if successful
  • Clear progression pathway into leadership roles
  • Exposure to a high-visibility transformation programme
  • Strong leadership team with a modern, forward-thinking procurement vision
  • Competitive package with flexibility and hybrid working
  • Opportunity to shape procurement strategy rather than just deliver BAU
  • Competitive salary up to £82000 Do E
  • Contact
  • Mo Gaibee
  • Quote job ref
  • JN-
  • Phone number
  • Job summary
  • Job function
  • Procurement & Supply Chain
  • Subsector
  • Indirect Procurement
  • Sector
  • Public Sector
  • Location
  • City of London
  • Contract type
  • Permanent
  • Consultant name
  • Mo Gaibee
  • Consultant phone
  • Job reference
  • JN-
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Category Lead - Consultant in London employer: Michael Page Finance

This thriving technology company in Yorkshire is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive culture that prioritises employee development and innovation. With opportunities for professional growth and the potential for the Interim Financial Accountant role to transition into a permanent position, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying the benefits of remote working.

Michael Page Finance

Contact Details:

Michael Page Finance Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Lead - Consultant 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 Michael Page Finance.

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 Lead - Consultant in London

Strategic Procurement
Category Management
Cost Optimisation
Supplier Performance Management
Stakeholder Relationship Building
Negotiation Skills
Procurement Transformation

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 Michael Page Finance:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page Finance. 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 Michael Page Finance.

How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page Finance

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 Michael Page Finance!

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 Michael Page Finance. 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 Michael Page Finance's culture.