At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global negotiations and drive cost savings in IT and Data procurement.
- Company: Join Mistral, a dynamic AI solutions provider transforming industries.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package supporting well-being, growth, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hyper-growth AI leader with innovative procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and ability to manage multiple projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Mistral
Mistral provides full-stack AI solutions: from frontier models to developer tools, applications, and compute. We partner with enterprises tackling the hardest problems—across high-stakes industries like finance, manufacturing, defense, healthcare, and the public sector—co-creating customized AI systems that they can run on their terms. We are a dynamic, collaborative team passionate about AI and its potential to transform society. Our diverse workforce thrives in competitive environments and is committed to driving innovation. Our teams are distributed between Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. We are creative, low-ego and team-spirited.
About the Job
Mistral is looking for a Procurement Category Manager (IT and Data) to own and drive cost savings across indirect spend. This is a unique opportunity to define and execute procurement strategies for a high-impact function at a hyper-growth AI leader. You will lead the IT and Data categories, covering data acquisition, SaaS, and tooling. Working with internal stakeholders, you will rationalize contracts, renegotiate agreements, and implement processes to reduce complexity and cost. Your role will have a direct impact on how Mistral scales its operations, with high exposure to strategic internal clients.
What you will do:
- Lead global negotiations on indirect spend and drive cost savings
- Define and execute procurement strategies for Human Data & IT categories
- Identify existing contracts, tools, and needs; manage renewals and renegotiate agreements
- Build and manage supplier panels, reducing the number of suppliers and improving governance
- Rationalize tool usage and consolidate internal needs with business owners
- Lead procurement projects from RFP to contractualization
- Contribute to the digitization of the procurement process through P2P tool adoption
- Develop strong, trusted relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
About you
- 5+ years of experience as a Buyer/Category Manager, ideally in IT, SaaS, or data-related categories
- Proven negotiation skills with large providers in tense markets
- Ability to manage multiple projects and align stakeholders
- Strong communication and assertiveness to push back and build relationships
- Agile, adaptable, and able to work in fast-paced environments
What we offer
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Benefits vary by country and may include healthcare coverage, parental leave, retirement plans, relocation support, wellness programs, meal and transportation allowances, and other location-specific perks. For the most up-to-date details on benefits available in your location, please refer to our Benefits page.
Privacy Policy
Your privacy matters to us. You can learn more about how we handle your personal data in our Applicant Privacy Policy.
Procurement Category Manager (IT and Data) in London employer: Mistral AI
Mistral is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, where innovation thrives in a diverse and low-ego environment. As a Procurement Category Manager (IT and Data), you will have the opportunity to lead impactful procurement strategies within a hyper-growth AI leader, while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and professional growth. With teams distributed globally, Mistral offers unique advantages such as exposure to high-stakes industries and the chance to co-create cutting-edge AI solutions that transform society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager (IT and Data) 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 Mistral AI.
✨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 (IT and Data) 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 Mistral AI:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Mistral AI. 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 Mistral AI.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mistral AI
✨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 Mistral AI!
✨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 Mistral AI. 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 Mistral AI's culture.
