At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Category Specialist, sourcing and managing key services in Marketing & Brand.
- Company: Phoenix Group, a leading FTSE 100 long-term savings and retirement business.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, private medical cover, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving cost savings and improving supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 46000 £ per year.
We have an incredible opportunity to join us here at Phoenix Group as a Category Specialist to join our Group Procurement & Partner Management team (GPPM).
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Hybrid, with base office options being Birmingham, Edinburgh or London.
Flexible working: All of our roles are open to part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility. We will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process.
Closing Date: 26th February 2026
Salary and benefits: £50,000 - £55,000 plus 16% bonus up to 32%, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
Who are we?
We want to be the best place that any of our 6,000 colleagues have ever worked. We’re Phoenix Group, we’re a long term savings and retirement business. We offer a range of products across our market-leading brands, Standard Life, Sunlife, Phoenix Life and ReAssure. Around 1 in 5 people in the UK has a pension with us. We’re a FTSE 100 organisation that is tackling key issues such as transitioning our portfolio to net zero by 2050 and we’re not done yet.
The role holder will be responsible for identifying, evaluating and sourcing external third-party services across key areas of indirect spend. The primary focus of this role will be the Marketing & Brand and Market Data categories. However, the role forms part of a broader Asset Management & Product team within the GPPM function, and will also be expected to provide support across the Asset Management, Client Facing and Financial Services categories as business needs require.
You will play a key role in researching market trends, sourcing external services, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the selected suppliers and contracts align with our company standards, value ambitions and strategic objectives.
Key responsibilities
- Category strategy development: Develop and implement effective category plans and sourcing strategies for Marketing & Brand and Market Data, ensuring alignment with broader business goals.
- Supplier selection and management: Research the supply market to identify, assess and commercially manage end‐to‐end supplier relationships, ensuring high‐quality services, competitive pricing and strong commercial value.
- Sourcing and negotiation: Lead, or support, sourcing events and negotiations. Deliver robust commercial outcomes, optimise contract structures to drive value whilst reducing commercial and operational risk.
- Deliver and embed cost savings: Implement cost optimisation strategies, including but not limited to demand management, rate optimisation and process efficiencies, to deliver sustainable savings and improve profitability.
- Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with sourcing activities, including regulatory and contractual changes, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, supplier resilience and continuity, and operational/commercial risk exposures.
- Cross‐functional collaboration: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Finance, Legal, Risk and Business Unit Executives to understand requirements and provide strategic guidance and support.
- Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives with our Centre of Excellence team, ensuring that procurement and third‐party management best practice is adopted to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our function.
What are we looking for?
- Indirect Procurement experience, ideally in the categories outlined above or similar categories, with an understanding of external supply markets and value levers.
- Good negotiating skills with the ability to influence and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Analytical and problem‐solving skills with a data‐driven approach to decision‐making.
- Working knowledge of contracting models, commercial terms and conditions, and the confidence to negotiate them.
- Working knowledge of financial services regulation and how it impacts third‐party risk, contract structures and procurement execution.
- Experience of working with procurement tools and systems.
We want to hire the whole version of you. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you.
If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best. We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so apply early to avoid missing out.
Category Specialist/Buyer (Indirect Procurement) in Edinburgh employer: Phoenix Group Holdings
At Phoenix Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With a competitive salary package, extensive benefits including generous annual leave and private medical cover, and a commitment to sustainability, we empower our colleagues to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in our mission to create a positive impact while enjoying the advantages of hybrid working from vibrant locations like Birmingham, Edinburgh, or London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist/Buyer (Indirect Procurement) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Phoenix Group or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to procurement and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves sourcing and negotiating contracts, being able to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively during interviews can really impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Phoenix Group family.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist/Buyer (Indirect Procurement) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Specialist role. Highlight your indirect procurement experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our goals at Phoenix Group. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key in this role, be sure to include examples of successful negotiations you've led or been part of. We love seeing how you’ve driven value in past roles!
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 Phoenix Group Holdings
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Marketing & Brand and Market Data categories. Understand current market trends, key suppliers, and potential challenges. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to influence and communicate effectively, which is crucial for this position.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Mindset
Bring along data-driven examples that showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills. Discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles, especially in procurement or similar fields. This will align perfectly with their focus on a data-driven approach.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Be prepared to talk about your experience working with different teams, such as Finance, Legal, and Risk. Share specific instances where collaboration led to successful outcomes. This will highlight your ability to work within a broader team and support the company's strategic objectives.
