Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for diverse categories and negotiate impactful contracts.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on innovation in telecom, construction, and utilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies and make a real difference in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in complex negotiations and strong procurement process experience.
- Other info: Join a team that values innovation and offers excellent career development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a skilled Procurement Category Manager to manage a diverse portfolio of strategic and complex procurement categories, covering both direct and indirect spend, large-scale outsourcing agreements, and joint ventures. You will lead negotiations for new and renewal contracts, develop and implement sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure all procurement activity aligns with our governance and commercial frameworks. This role also plays a key part in shaping negotiation strategies, embedding best practice across the organisation, and supporting capability development within the procurement team.
Key Responsibilities of the Procurement Category Manager include:
- Implement sourcing strategies using commercial contract models and templates in line with company policies.
- Lead negotiations for new and renewal agreements, ensuring alignment with service, quality, value, and risk expectations.
- Develop robust negotiation plans in partnership with business, operational, and commercial stakeholders.
- Ensure scopes of work are well-defined with fair risk allocation.
- Apply advanced negotiation techniques and procurement best practice across all engagements.
- Manage end-to-end procurement processes from sourcing to contract execution and handover.
- Build collaborative working relationships to support smooth transition into supplier management.
- Ensure procurement activity is transparent, compliant, and aligned with delegated authority.
- Challenge demand and consolidate requirements to maximise value.
- Support supplier performance and commercial relationship management.
- Maintain procurement systems and databases accurately and promptly.
- Drive innovative sourcing initiatives to deliver competitive advantage.
- Provide regular procurement reporting to senior leadership.
- Conduct market and competitor assessments to optimise total cost of ownership.
- Contribute to the development of the sourcing and commercial team through guidance and knowledge sharing.
The successful Procurement Category Manager will have:
- 5–10 years’ experience leading complex commercial negotiations, including outsourcing and joint ventures.
- Strong background in end-to-end procurement processes.
- Experience working across multiple categories and cross-functional teams.
- Proven ability to coach or mentor stakeholders in negotiation or procurement.
- Sector experience in telecoms, construction, FM, or utilities (desirable).
- Advanced negotiation skills and strong understanding of total cost of ownership.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Strong organisational, governance, and process management capabilities.
- Knowledge of contract law and supplier risk management.
Procurement Category Manager - Telco/Construction/Utilities in Theale employer: Project People
Contact Detail:
Project People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager - Telco/Construction/Utilities in Theale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those in telecoms, construction, or utilities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your negotiation skills. Think of real-life scenarios where you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships or led complex negotiations. We want you to showcase your expertise and confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company’s procurement strategies and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that Procurement Category Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager - Telco/Construction/Utilities in Theale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex procurement categories and leading negotiations, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of your negotiation successes and how you've implemented sourcing strategies in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your advanced negotiation skills and experience with end-to-end procurement processes. We’re looking for someone who can manage supplier relationships and drive innovative sourcing initiatives, so make sure these skills stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Project People
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific procurement categories you'll be managing. Understand the nuances of telco, construction, and utilities sectors. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is a key part of this role, think of examples from your past where you've successfully led negotiations. Be ready to discuss your strategies, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Practising these scenarios can give you the confidence to tackle similar questions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This role requires excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Prepare to share specific instances where you've built strong relationships with stakeholders. Highlight how you’ve collaborated across teams to achieve procurement goals, as this will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Governance and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with procurement governance frameworks and compliance requirements relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured transparency and compliance in your previous roles. This shows that you understand the importance of these aspects in procurement and can align with the company's policies.