At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value technology procurement and negotiate complex contracts with top suppliers.
- Company: Join a dynamic team transforming procurement to drive business growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising costs and strengthening supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in technology sourcing and strong 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.
Senior Procurement Category Manager employer: OptumUK
OptumUK is an excellent employer that values flexibility and collaboration, offering a hybrid work model that allows you to balance your professional and personal life effectively. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work alongside diverse teams in a supportive environment. Located in Leeds, you'll enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere while contributing to meaningful projects that impact the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Category Manager
✨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. Show us you understand their needs and how your expertise in complex negotiations can drive value. Tailor your examples to highlight your success in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your expertise in technology sourcing and complex negotiations, as we want to see how you can drive value in our procurement team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about procurement and how your background aligns with our goals. Don’t forget to mention your experience with cloud, software, and IT services – we love those details!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. We want to know how you've led high-value deals and optimised costs in previous positions. Numbers and specific examples will make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at OptumUK
✨Know Your Tech Procurement Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in technology sourcing, especially around cloud and SaaS. Be ready to discuss specific examples of high-value deals you've led and how you navigated complex negotiations.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience working with senior stakeholders. Think of instances where you provided commercial insights that influenced decision-making and how you built strong relationships with suppliers.
✨Demonstrate Your Cost Optimisation Strategies
Have a few examples ready that highlight how you've identified and delivered cost optimisation opportunities in previous roles. This will show your ability to drive value and align with the company's objectives.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to supplier negotiations or contract management. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies to demonstrate your expertise.
