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: Flexible benefits, excellent bonus scheme, hybrid working, and 25 days' holiday.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on wellbeing and personal growth.
- Why this job: Influence strategy and build relationships in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience managing Professional Services spend and strong communication skills.
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 also:
- 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
Being yourself. 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.
Category Manager - Professional Services in Surrey employer: Novuna
At Novuna, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions sustainability and innovation while fostering a dynamic work culture. Our flexible benefits package, commitment to employee wellbeing, and opportunities for professional growth make us an attractive choice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers. Join us in a fast-paced environment where your contributions will drive real commercial value and help shape a better tomorrow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Professional Services in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Category Manager. Highlight your relationship-building skills and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Professional Services in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing Professional Services spend and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive value.
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 ideas and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and you’ll have access to all the latest updates about the recruitment 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 build rapport with them. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed relationships and driven outcomes. Be prepared to discuss how you can balance challenge with collaboration.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in sourcing and contract negotiations. Have specific examples ready that highlight how you've delivered value and mitigated risk in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the complexities of managing a £40m–£50m portfolio.
✨Emphasise Your Strategic Mindset
The role requires a strategic approach to sourcing and supplier management. Be ready to talk about how you've identified opportunities for improvement in processes or supplier performance. Highlight your ability to make informed, strategic decisions that align with business goals.
