At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category management strategies and drive procurement transformation in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a market-leading organisation focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, performance bonus, and significant development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career progression and multiple positions available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while advancing your career with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: 3-8 years of indirect procurement experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
A number of exciting opportunities have arisen to join a market-leading organisation that is currently undergoing a significant business transformation and investment programme. As part of this journey, the procurement function is expanding and investing in talented procurement professionals who are passionate about delivering commercial value and driving strategic change.
We're looking for ambitious and commercially minded procurement professionals who want to play a key role in shaping the future of a growing procurement function. Whether you're currently a Procurement Manager, Category Manager or Senior Buyer looking to take the next step in your career, this is an opportunity to gain exposure to complex indirect spend categories, senior stakeholders and genuine progression opportunities.
Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, you will be responsible for delivering end-to-end category management strategies across a range of indirect spend areas while partnering with stakeholders to influence business decisions and deliver measurable value.
Indirect Categories Include: Technology, Marketing, Professional Services, Logistics, Facilities Management (FM), Utilities and other Indirect Spend Categories.
As an Indirect Category Manager, you will act as a trusted Procurement Business Partner, supporting stakeholders across the organisation while delivering best-in-class procurement and category management practices.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Developing and implementing end-to-end category strategies
- Managing complex sourcing and tendering activities
- Delivering commercial value, cost optimisation and risk mitigation initiatives
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and senior leadership teams
- Acting as a strategic business partner to support organisational objectives
- Leading supplier negotiations and contract management activities
- Managing supplier performance and driving continuous improvement
- Identifying opportunities for innovation and process improvement
- Conducting market analysis and benchmarking exercises
- Ensuring procurement governance, compliance and best practice standards are maintained
- Supporting procurement transformation and change initiatives
The Successful Applicant
A successful Indirect Generalist should have:
- Approximately 3-8 years' experience within procurement, sourcing or category management
- Proven indirect procurement experience across one or more categories including IT, Marketing, Logistics, Utilities, FM or Corporate Services
- Strong end-to-end category management experience
- Experience developing and executing category strategies
- Demonstrable sourcing, tendering and negotiation expertise
- Strong stakeholder management and business partnering skills
- Supplier relationship and contract management experience
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence decision-making
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Experience operating within a fast-paced, changing environment
Preferred Background: Retail, FMCG, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical, Telcos or Consultancy.
What's on Offer:
- Location - Able to commute to Leeds and be on-site 3 days per week.
- Salary between £50,000 - £65,000 + Car Allowance + Performance Bonus
- Hybrid Working
- Significant Development Opportunities
- Exposure to Senior Stakeholders
- Opportunity to Support a Major Procurement Transformation
- Clear Career Progression Pathways
- Multiple Positions Available
If you're a Procurement Manager, Category Manager or Senior Buyer with indirect procurement experience looking to join an organisation where procurement is truly valued, we'd love to hear from you. Only apply if you have experience within indirect procurement and live within a commutable distance to Leeds. This is your opportunity to be part of an ambitious transformation programme, develop your career and make a tangible commercial impact within a growing procurement function.
Category Manager - Indirect Procurement in Leeds employer: Michael Page International
As a not-for-profit organisation based in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and high-performing work culture that prioritises professional growth and meaningful transformation. Our commitment to employee development is matched by a competitive salary and a standard benefits package, making us an excellent employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the technology and telecoms sector.
Contact Details:
Michael Page International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Indirect Procurement in Leeds
✨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 International.
✨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 Manager - Indirect Procurement in Leeds
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 International:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page International. 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 International.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page International
✨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 International!
✨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 International. 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 International's culture.
