At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing projects and manage supplier relationships to optimise procurement.
- Company: Global leader in the industrial and manufacturing sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and collaborate with senior leaders across multiple regions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategies and drive business value globally.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in indirect procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
As a Category Manager - Indirect in the industrial and manufacturing sector, you'll oversee procurement activities to ensure efficient supply chain operations. Your role will involve managing supplier relationships and securing cost-effective agreements that support the business's goals.
Client Details
A company operating within the industrial and manufacturing sector on a global scale.
Description
What You’ll Be Doing
We’re looking for a commercially minded Category Manager - Indirect Procurement to join our Global Procurement team and play a key role in delivering value across a diverse portfolio of indirect spend. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to lead sourcing activity, build strong stakeholder relationships, and drive supplier performance across a global business. Working closely with the Global Indirect Procurement Manager, you’ll execute category strategies, negotiate commercial agreements, and help deliver meaningful savings and operational improvements. If you’re passionate about procurement, thrive in a fast-paced international environment, and enjoy influencing business decisions, we’d love to hear from you.
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Execute category strategies across assigned indirect spend categories.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing projects including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, negotiations, supplier selection, and contract award.
- Develop and implement supplier frameworks, preferred supplier agreements, and commercial rate cards.
- Identify and deliver cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation opportunities.
- Support demand management initiatives to optimise spend and improve procurement outcomes.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with stakeholders across HR, IT, Finance, Operations, and other business functions to understand requirements and influence purchasing decisions.
- Support the adoption of procurement best practices and approved supplier frameworks.
- Ensure alignment between business objectives and procurement strategy.
Supplier Performance & Contract Management
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed service levels and contractual commitments.
- Lead supplier business reviews and implement corrective action plans where required.
- Maintain accurate contract records, supplier information, pricing structures, and procurement documentation.
Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Analyse spend and supplier performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Contribute to procurement reporting and performance dashboards.
- Support initiatives to improve sourcing efficiency, stakeholder experience, and procurement compliance.
- Work collaboratively with Procurement Excellence teams to drive process improvements.
Profile
A successful Category Manager - Indirect should have:
Experience
- 3+ years indirect procurement experience within Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Category Management.
- Proven experience managing indirect spend categories in a complex business environment.
- Demonstrated success delivering sourcing projects, commercial negotiations, and supplier management activities.
- Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders and influencing business decisions.
Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Procurement, or a related discipline.
- CIPS qualification (or equivalent) is desirable.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Excellent analytical and data interpretation capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong contract management and supplier relationship management experience.
Personal Attributes
- Structured and organised with a methodical approach to problem-solving.
- Commercially astute, pragmatic, and results oriented.
- Confident communicator capable of engaging and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Collaborative team player with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Driven, resilient, and comfortable operating in a dynamic global environment.
Job Offer
Salary £55,000 - £65,000 dependent on experience. Permanent position, remote with some travel opportunities to work in the industrial and manufacturing sector. This role offers the opportunity to:
- Influence key indirect procurement categories.
- Work within a global procurement function supporting international stakeholders.
- Lead meaningful sourcing initiatives that deliver measurable business value.
- Collaborate with senior leaders and cross-functional teams across multiple regions.
- Contribute to the continued evolution of a high-performing procurement organisation.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your procurement career and make a real impact in a global business, we’d love to hear from you.
Category Manager - Indirect Procurement in London employer: Michael Page
ASDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Leeds. With a strong commitment to employee growth, ASDA provides numerous opportunities for professional development and advancement, alongside competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an attractive workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in one of the UK's leading retail brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Indirect Procurement 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.
✨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 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 Michael Page:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
