Procurement Category Specialist (12-month FTC) in Cirencester

Are you ready to chart your own career path? With our refreshed strategy, we’re building on our rich heritage and transforming our business to be more scalable and efficient, unlocking the capabilities needed for future success. This includes significantly investing in technology, streamlining the way we work and creating an environment where colleagues feel engaged, empowered and accountable; where they can show up, speak up and perform - because we believe in the difference our work makes.

At a glance:

• Location: Cirencester Office
• Workplace Type: Hybrid
• Employment Type: 12 month Fixed-Term Contract
• Seniority: Associate

The role:

The Procurement Software Sourcing Specialist plays a key role in delivering the Technology category sourcing strategy at SJP. Reporting to the Category Manager, this is a hands‑on, operational role where you’ll manage the end‑to‑end procurement process for software and technology suppliers — from identifying sourcing opportunities through to negotiation and supplier contract management. This is an excellent 12-month FTC opportunity for someone with experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or vendor management who wants to deepen their exposure to a technology‑driven category. You’ll work closely with stakeholders across IT, Finance, Legal, and Software Asset Management to ensure procurement activity delivers commercial value, supports governance standards, and aligns with wider business objectives.

What you’ll be doing:

• Support the development and delivery of sourcing and negotiation strategies across the Technology category.
• Contribute to Category Plans alongside the Category Manager, taking ownership of implementing procurement strategies within your assigned software areas.
• Identify cost savings and value‑creation opportunities through robust spend analysis, market insight, and supplier benchmarking.
• Support RFx activity (including eAuctions), supplier evaluations, and commercial negotiations.
• Support and develop supplier relationships, monitoring performance against agreed SLAs and KPIs.
• Manage contract negotiations, renewals, and licensing agreements in partnership with the Category Manager and Legal team.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand current software usage, future needs, and demand patterns.
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with internal policies and external regulations, including data privacy and security requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of sourcing activity, contracts, savings, and performance metrics.
• Partner with the Software Asset Management team to analyse licence usage and leverage data to strengthen negotiation strategies.

Experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or vendor management. Proven ability to plan and lead negotiations that deliver measurable commercial value. Familiarity with procurement tools and systems. An understanding of Category Management principles and how to execute category plans. Strong analytical, evaluation, and research skills, with excellent attention to detail. Clear, confident communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders. Experience within Software or IT procurement, including knowledge of licensing models such as SaaS, subscription, and perpetual licences. CIPS or another relevant procurement qualification.

What's in it for you?

We reward you for the work you do, whether that’s through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance, competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days), or online rewards platform with a variety of discounts. We also have benefits to support whatever stage of life you are in, including:

• Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay)
• Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit)
• 10% non-contributory pension (increasing with length of service)

Reasonable Adjustments

We're an equal opportunities employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all. If you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage please let us know by emailing us at careers@sjp.co.uk. Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career‑break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate some transferable experience please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.

What's next?

If you're excited about this role and believe you have the skills and experience we're looking for, we'd love to hear from you! Please submit an application by clicking ‘apply’ below and our team will be in touch. As a business regulated by the FCA we would advise you to familiarise yourself with the conduct regulations and in particular consumer duty obligations prior to an interview with SJP.