At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category management for HR and People & Culture, running smaller RFPs.
- Company: Reputable professional services organisation undergoing exciting procurement transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and a relaxed work environment.
- Other info: Quick interview process with potential for fast-tracking the right candidate.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and build relationships across the organisation while making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement from a services background and confident with senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Our client, a well-known professional services organisation, is going through a procurement transformation and is looking for a Category Manager to join on an initial 6-month contract while they build out the permanent function. You’ll join a small, established category management team (covering Tech and Professional Services categories) and take ownership of a broad stakeholder base - facing off across 6-7 categories including People & Culture and HR. This isn’t a high-value negotiation-heavy role; you’ll be running smaller RFPs and building relationships across the business rather than managing complex contract negotiations.
What you’ll be doing:
- Acting as category lead/stakeholder contact across a range of indirect categories including HR and People & Culture
- Running smaller-scale RFP processes
- Building relationships across a genuinely open organisation - you’ll be talking to everyone from junior stakeholders through to C-suite
What we’re looking for:
- Procurement experience from a services background (not goods/indirect commodity buying)
- Comfortable working in a small team - ideally from a similarly-sized function previously
- Confident engaging senior stakeholders, including C-suite
- Flexible, personable, low-ego - this is a relaxed, well-run business, not a high-pressure environment
Process: Two-stage interview process with a quick turnaround - genuine opportunity to fast-track for the right person.
Category Manager in London employer: Oliver James Associates Ltd.
Oliver James Associates Ltd. is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment within a long-established London Market Insurance firm that values flexibility and employee well-being. With opportunities for professional growth and development in risk management, employees benefit from a supportive culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the heart of London.
Contact Details:
Oliver James Associates Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager 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 Oliver James Associates Ltd..
✨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 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 Oliver James Associates Ltd.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Oliver James Associates Ltd.. 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 Oliver James Associates Ltd..
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver James Associates Ltd.
✨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 Oliver James Associates Ltd.!
✨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 Oliver James Associates Ltd.. 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 Oliver James Associates Ltd.'s culture.
