Procurement Category Lead

Join to apply for the Procurement Category Lead role at Robert Walters

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Procurement Category Lead role at Robert Walters

Direct message the job poster from Robert Walters

Passionate about people and helping them grow | Direct Recruiter at RWO Global Sourcing |

Job Title: Procurement Category Lead

Location: London (Hybrid working, 3 days in office)

Keywords: procurement, category management, contract negotiation, stakeholder engagement, supplier relationship management, cost optimisation, process improvement, governance, strategic sourcing, operational excellence

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Procurement Category Lead to join a highly respected global insurance group based in London. This pivotal role is designed for someone who thrives on building collaborative relationships, driving strategic sourcing initiatives, and delivering tangible value across HR, Facilities Management, Publications, Subscriptions, and other non-IT categories. The organisation offers a supportive environment where your expertise will be valued, and you will have the autonomy to shape category strategies that align with business objectives. You will work closely with senior leaders and cross-functional teams, ensuring best-in-class procurement practices while enjoying flexible working opportunities and a culture that champions professional growth. If you are passionate about making a measurable impact through effective supplier partnerships and process excellence, this is the perfect platform to further your career.

• Play a key role in shaping and executing global procurement strategies across diverse categories including HR, Facilities Management, Publications, and Subscriptions, directly influencing business performance.
• Enjoy a collaborative workplace culture that values knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and the development of long-term supplier relationships to drive cost efficiencies and service enhancements.
• Benefit from flexible working opportunities within an inclusive team environment that supports your professional development and encourages innovative approaches to procurement challenges.

What you\’ll do:

• Lead the development and execution of category strategies for areas such as HR, Facilities Management, Publications, and Subscriptions, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.
• Negotiate supply contracts and critical agreements with suppliers to secure optimal commercial terms while maintaining strong ethical standards.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements by benchmarking against strategic objectives and implementing targeted initiatives.
• Drive procurement aspects of strategic change projects including automation-led initiatives to deliver enhanced value for internal stakeholders.
• Implement governance frameworks to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and industry best practices across all procurement activities.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders at all levels to understand their needs, provide expert guidance on procurement matters, and deliver tailored solutions.
• Build and maintain robust relationships with external suppliers and partners to access innovations, manage contract obligations, and resolve performance issues effectively.
• Support the delivery of ongoing benefits through supplier engagement initiatives focused on cost reduction, service improvement, and new customer propositions.
• Provide technical expertise in procurement processes to strengthen organisational credibility both internally and externally.
• Offer leadership, motivation, and support to junior team members within the procurement function to foster a high-performing team environment.

What you bring:

• Extensive experience managing procurement categories within large-scale organisations or regulated industries
• Strong understanding of business operations across HR, Facilities Management, Publications, Subscriptions or similar non-IT functions
• Proven track record of leading complex commercial negotiations involving multi-million-pound contracts with outsourcing or BPO partners
• Excellent awareness of industry standards, legislative requirements, compliance environments, and best practice procurement methodologies
• Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling you to build trust-based relationships with internal customers at all levels as well as external suppliers
• Consultative approach when working with partners combined with sound commercial judgement for addressing contractual issues effectively
• Analytical mindset complemented by creative problem-solving abilities allowing you to identify non-traditional solutions where appropriate
• Advanced communication skills-both written and verbal-with the ability to produce detailed reports for varied audiences
• High proficiency in MS Office applications including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint; confident presenting information at senior level meetings
• Demonstrable experience supporting operational excellence programmes throughout the full lifecycle of supplier management from initial sourcing through ongoing governance

What\’s next:

If you are ready to take your next step in procurement leadership within a supportive global environment we encourage you to apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided-your future in strategic procurement awaits!

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment experience. If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require adjustments to the recruitment process, our Adjustment Concierge Service is here to support you. Please reach out to us at to discuss further.

This position is being recruited on behalf of our client through our Outsourcing service line. Resource Solutions Limited, trading as Robert Walters, acts as an employment business and agency, partnering with top organizations to help them find the best talent. We welcome applications from all candidates and are committed to providing equal opportunities.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Job function

  Other and Supply Chain

• Industries

  Insurance

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Robert Walters by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Procurement Lead” roles.

London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 2 months ago

London, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago

London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Slough, England, United Kingdom £70,000.00-£80,000.00 2 days ago

London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

Harrow, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Procurement Specialist – General Services

London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

Surrey, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Head of Procurement Centre of Excellence

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Strategic Procurement Sourcing Analyst, Europe

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Orpington, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

Greenford, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr