At a Glance
- Tasks: Support contract administration and manage procure to pay processes in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on national infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, generous holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with growth opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in procurement and project management.
- Qualifications: Ideal for those pursuing CIPS accreditation or relevant degree; experience in P2P is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid, London, 25 Copthall Avenue (minimum 3 days per week onsite).
Employment type: Permanent full-time.
Salary: Circa £32,000 per annum - dependent on experience.
Benefits:
- 5% CIP bonus
- 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays
- Contributory pension of up to 7.5% employee/15% employer
- Ongoing professional development
- Other lifestyle benefits
Closing date: 30th September 2026
Job Purpose:
The Category Assistant - Professional Services will provide essential support to the Category Manager - Professional Services by playing a key part in ensuring effective contract administration and delivery of procure to pay (P2P) process activities, supporting the wider business in the delivery of a major national infrastructure programme.
Working under the direction of the Category Manager - Professional Services, the Category Assistant will be responsible for leading on the delivery of P2P processes and administration, providing guidance and support to stakeholders on P2P and related processes and governance in relation to the scope of activities in the Professional Services area.
Nature and Scope:
Sitting within the Procurement Indirects Team, the Category Assistant role is a very important role within the team, enabling strong supplier and stakeholder relationships to be built from a foundation of smooth and efficient processing and management of P2P documentation. The Category Assistant is encouraged to adopt a continuous improvement approach, identifying and raising to the Category Manager - Professional Services areas within their accountability where efficiencies could be obtained.
The Category Assistant will work closely with colleagues across the procurement function, its stakeholders and suppliers, advising on procurement related P2P processes and procedures within the category they operate within, supporting assessments and valuations, processing payment notices, maintaining accurate procurement records and using systems such as SAP. The Category Assistant shall also work closely and pro-actively with other Category Assistants and stakeholders at all levels within SZC.
Principal Accountabilities:
The Category Assistant is responsible for supporting P2P Procurement activities in relation to the Professional Services category. Although this is the main focus for the category, the Category Assistant will also support the Category Manager - Professional Services with Category Assistant related activities on other smaller categories, which may include, but are not limited to one or more of the following: Insurance, Finance & Treasury and Legal.
Whilst the Category Assistant will work within the Professional Services category, it is encouraged that Category Assistants share knowledge and skills and support each other as appropriate across the wider Indirects team, including providing cover for each other's absence from work for reasons such as annual leave and sickness.
Growth within the team is important to SZC, so the responsible Category Manager is encouraged to develop those within their team and give them the opportunity to grow in their role, gain experience and knowledge in best practice Procurement, such that they can progress within the department should they want to.
The Category Assistant is responsible and accountable for:
- Supporting day to day contract administration
- Working within and assisting stakeholders and suppliers with P2P process
- Processing payment certificates in line with contract requirements
- Supporting Task Orders and associated governance processes
- Maintaining accurate procurement and audit ready records
- Using systems including Microsoft and SAP
- Monitoring procurement performance and escalating issues early
- Providing general procurement support to the Category Manager and wider team
- Working with a combination of both onshore and offshore colleagues and stakeholders
The Category Assistant will work with collaborative behaviours, in a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation with all parties in SZC, thereby adopting a positive and proactive work ethic.
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience:
- Working towards CIPS accreditation or educated to relevant degree level would be advantageous
- Prior experience in a P2P or highly processed environment
- Able to work under pressure and tight timeframes
- Good commercial acumen and competent in data analysis
- Ability to identify and elevate matters affecting finance or service quality
- Good stakeholder interpersonal and problem-solving skills
- Confidence in guiding stakeholders and colleagues on process matters in a clear and concise manner
- Previous experience of building relationships and learning new skills in a transformation and change environment would be advantageous
Category Assistant in London employer: Sizewell C
Sizewell C is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering future talent in the Suffolk region. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and community engagement, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth through innovative education programmes and outreach activities. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying opportunities for career advancement in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Assistant in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Sizewell C.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Sizewell C:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sizewell C. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Sizewell C.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sizewell C
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Sizewell C!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Sizewell C. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Sizewell C's culture.
