At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of a high-impact category and drive real commercial value.
- Company: Join Novuna, a forward-thinking company focused on sustainability and exceptional customer experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible benefits package, excellent bonus scheme, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Influence strategy and build relationships in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience managing Professional Services spend and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diversity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Are you looking to take ownership of a high-impact category where you can influence strategy and drive real commercial value? Do you thrive on building relationships and influencing senior stakeholders? Motivated by working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? If your answer is 'yes' then keep reading.
Who we are. At Novuna, we care about building a better tomorrow. With a focus on sustainability and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences, we provide consumers and businesses with the capital they need to realise their ambitions. Like any successful business, our corporate functions are essential to keeping the organisation running smoothly, with each team playing a key role in helping us achieve our goals and serve our customers.
What you'll do. You'll join our Procurement team, taking ownership of the Professional Services category – a diverse and high-value area spanning legal, consultancy, audit, credit risk, debt recovery, and marketing. This is a varied and commercially significant role where you'll manage complex supplier relationships, drive value, and support the business in making informed, strategic sourcing decisions. You'll report into the Head of Procurement and work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, helping to balance cost, risk, and performance in a fast-paced environment.
- You’ll manage a broad portfolio of Professional Services spend (£40m–£50m), including key strategic suppliers.
- Lead sourcing and contract negotiations to deliver value and mitigate risk.
- Support the ongoing development and adoption of our procurement platform (Market Dojo).
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, supplier performance, and commercial outcomes.
What you'll bring. You’ll be a commercially minded and relationship-focused Category Manager who thrives in a fast-paced, complex environment. You enjoy working across a broad range of stakeholders and suppliers, bringing structure, insight, and a pragmatic approach to procurement. You'll be comfortable navigating senior conversations, balancing challenge with collaboration, and driving the right outcomes for the business.
You’ll be a great fit if you:
- Have exposure to managing Professional Services spend (e.g. consultancy, legal, audit, or credit risk agencies).
- Are a strong communicator, comfortable working with senior stakeholders across the business.
- Bring a strategic and commercially focused approach to sourcing and supplier management.
- Have ideally worked in a structured, complex organisation (financial services experience is not essential).
What's in it for you? Our benefits package is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to customise it to meet your unique needs. Whether you're focused on your health, financial security, or simply want to enhance your lifestyle, we offer a variety of options to support you.
Our offer to you includes:
- An excellent bonus scheme.
- Company car or cash alternative – with fantastic EV incentives.
- Flexible hybrid working.
- 25 days' holiday, plus bank holidays and the option to buy/sell 5 days.
- Full wellbeing package including BUPA, digital GP service, 24/7 employee assistance, plus wellbeing events throughout the year.
At Novuna, we’re a Disability Confident employer, dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and thrive. If you need any adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please reach out to us directly.
Please note this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Category Manager - Professional Services employer: Novuna
Contact Detail:
Novuna Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Professional Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Novuna and understand their values, especially around sustainability and customer experience. Tailor your answers to show how you can drive value in the Professional Services category.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've influenced strategy or improved supplier performance. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing your successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining Novuna and being part of our mission to build a better tomorrow.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Professional Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience with Professional Services spend and any relevant achievements to grab our attention!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced strategy and built relationships with senior stakeholders in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves navigating senior conversations, make sure your application demonstrates your strong communication skills. Use clear and concise language to convey your points effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novuna
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Professional Services category. Understand the key players, trends, and challenges in areas like consultancy, legal, and audit. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to take ownership of this high-impact area.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Since the role involves influencing senior stakeholders, practice how you'll engage with them. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in the past and be ready to discuss your approach to balancing cost, risk, and performance in a collaborative way.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with sourcing and contract negotiations. Think of specific instances where you delivered value and mitigated risk. Highlighting these skills will show that you can manage complex supplier relationships effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Strategic Mindset
The role requires a strategic and commercially focused approach. Be ready to share your thoughts on how you would identify opportunities for process improvement and enhance supplier performance. This will demonstrate your ability to drive real commercial value for the business.