At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for Software, Cloud, and Security categories with a £15m spend.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative procurement solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, remote work flexibility, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Remote role with occasional travel to Warwick; excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in category management while working with top-tier suppliers.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
7‑month contract
Rate: £425 – £525 p/d (inside IR35)
Start date: 20th July 2026
Location: Remote + ad‑hoc attendance to Warwick
Key Objectives
- Accountable for managing categories of spend classed as Software, Cloud and Security and related Support and Professional Services with a significant total annual spend of circa £15m.
- Responsible to ensure appropriate use of corporate and functional processes and tools.
- Responsible for management of internal and external stakeholders.
- Responsible for the creation and implementation of the designated commercial strategies for Internal IT, Network Services and Transport BU/team.
- Responsible for the creation of strategies for H/M/L value and complex / non‑complex categories.
- Responsible for all RFx activities, managing the sourcing process, negotiation and contracting activities for H/M/L value categories and complex / non‑complex categories.
- Responsible for the evaluation of suppliers as part of supplier on‑boarding process and implementation of i Procurement strategy category code management in line with Category strategy.
- Responsible for negotiation of flow‑down terms for complex agreements.
- Responsible for on‑going supplier performance and supplier relationship management throughout the contract lifetime, including inputs to risk register and risk mitigation strategies.
- Support input into corporate and functional business continuity and disaster recovery plan.
- Implement legislative and international standards within the supply base.
Deliverables include:
- Responsible for RFx activities for both Bid tenders and Projects including creation and issue of NDA’s.
- Production of best‑fit contractual agreements with suppliers that fulfil all business requirements, including any flow‑down terms.
- Responsible for maintenance of Approved Supplier List (ASL) including supplier onboarding and evaluation.
- Maintenance of category codes & responsible for creation of i Procurement strategy.
- Responsible for identifying classification of supplier and creation of appropriate business review schedule.
- Support with supplier audits and definition of social value contribution.
- Responsible for identification of continuous improvement opportunities.
- Responsible for completion of Project Lifecycle gateway deliverables in a timely manner.
Experience
- Demonstrable experience in category management in a procurement or commercial environment.
- Experienced in people / team management.
- Experience in developing category plans and strategy.
- Excellent negotiation skills and techniques.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to demonstrate exceptional stakeholder management approach and skills.
Skills/Qualifications (Attained or working towards)
- Degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.
- Or Professional qualification MCIPS, preferably Chartered status.
Category Lead Manager in England employer: Morson Human Resources Limited
As a Category Lead Manager, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, our remote-first culture allows for flexibility while also providing opportunities for ad-hoc engagement at our Warwick location, fostering strong team connections. We offer competitive rates and a commitment to professional excellence, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in procurement.
Contact Details:
Morson Human Resources Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Lead Manager in England
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Lead Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Morson Human Resources Limited that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Morson Human Resources Limited can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Morson Human Resources Limited that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Morson Human Resources Limited know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Human Resources Limited
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
