At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value technology procurement and negotiate complex contracts with top suppliers.
- Company: Join Optum, a leader in integrated healthcare software and services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving transformation and delivering commercial value.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK healthcare while developing your procurement expertise.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience with a focus on technology sourcing and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced procurement professional with strong expertise in technology sourcing and complex commercial negotiations? Do you enjoy leading high-value deals, working with key stakeholders, and driving value across cloud, software and IT supplier landscapes? If so, we'd love you to read on.
About the Team:
Our procurement team is undergoing an exciting transformation as we strengthen and scale our capability to support the business. We're creating a lean, high-performing team focused on delivering commercial value, strengthening supplier relationships and supporting business growth. This role will play a key part in leading our most complex and high-value technology procurement activity. This role is hybrid working; you will work predominantly from home and once a week in our Fulford Grange office (LS19 6BA).
About the Role:
As a Senior Procurement Category Manager, you will act as a subject matter expert for technology procurement, leading end-to-end sourcing, supplier negotiations and contract management across key spend areas. You will take ownership of high-value and complex contracts, including cloud, SaaS and IT services, and partner closely with stakeholders to deliver commercial outcomes and cost optimisation. You will also support the wider procurement function by embedding best practice and driving consistency across procurement processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end sourcing and procurement activity across technology categories including cloud, software and IT services
- Own and lead complex, high-value commercial negotiations with key suppliers (e.g. AWS, Microsoft)
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives
- Manage supplier relationships, performance and risk across key contracts
- Identify and deliver cost optimisation opportunities across spend areas
- Partner with stakeholders to provide commercial insight and support decision-making
- Support supplier transition activity and delivery of high-priority contracts during a period of operational change
Who You Are:
You are a strong procurement professional with technical expertise in technology sourcing and a proven ability to lead complex commercial negotiations. You are confident working with senior stakeholders, comfortable managing multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Your commercial acumen and attention to detail enable you to deliver value and mitigate risk across supplier relationships.
Key Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
- Strong procurement experience
- Proven experience in technology procurement (software, SaaS, cloud or IT services)
- Demonstrable experience managing complex sourcing processes and contract negotiations
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Experience in supplier relationship management and contract lifecycle management
- Strong commercial acumen and analytical capability
Ready to Join Us? At Optum, we are a UK leader in integrated healthcare software and services, supporting healthcare professionals across primary and community care, pharmacy, secondary care and specialist services. Our technology enables better, faster and more efficient patient care across the UK healthcare system. Apply today to take the next step in your career and make a tangible impact in UK healthcare.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Senior Procurement Category Manager in Leeds employer: OptumUK
At Optum, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills in technology procurement. Join us in our Fulford Grange office and be part of a team that is transforming healthcare through cutting-edge technology, making a meaningful impact on patient care across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Category Manager in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who have experience with technology sourcing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Understand their key suppliers and recent deals. This will help you showcase your expertise and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves complex commercial negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your approach during interviews.
✨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 joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Category Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Procurement Category Manager. Highlight your experience in technology procurement and complex negotiations, as this is what we’re really looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for procurement and how your skills align with our goals at StudySmarter. Don’t forget to mention specific examples of your past successes.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:We want to see how you’ve successfully managed relationships with key stakeholders in the past. Share stories that demonstrate your influencing skills and ability to drive value across supplier landscapes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at OptumUK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of technology procurement, especially in areas like cloud, SaaS, and IT services. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led complex negotiations or managed high-value contracts.
✨Stakeholder Savvy
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, practice how you'll communicate your insights and recommendations. Think about how you can demonstrate your influencing skills and show that you understand their needs and objectives.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss how you've identified cost optimisation opportunities in previous roles. Bring concrete examples to the table that highlight your analytical capabilities and how they’ve led to tangible results in supplier relationships.
✨Embrace the Hybrid Model
As this role is hybrid, be ready to talk about how you manage your time and productivity while working from home. Share any strategies you use to stay connected with your team and ensure smooth collaboration, especially during supplier transitions or contract management.
