At a Glance
- Tasks: Implement strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives for Operational Services.
- Company: Join SJP, a company passionate about excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, generous leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising costs and enhancing supplier performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and CIPS qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Cirencester, United Kingdom
Posted on: 13/11/2025 – Application Deadline: 27/11/2025
Are you ready to chart your own career path? At SJP we need talented individuals like yourself to support our evolving culture. If you’re seeking an employer that is passionate about excellence, innovation and autonomy, SJP could be the place for you.
Location: Cirencester Office
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Employment Type: Permanent
Seniority: Mid-Senior Level
The role: This person will act as a trusted adviser to the business in implementing the strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives for Operational Services within SJP. The Operational Services spend category incorporates the following spend categories: Travel and Events, Marketing, Subscriptions, Facilities, Print, Recruitment and HR Services. They will work with stakeholders within the Group Expense Management team and across the business to reduce cost and maximise value.
What you’ll be doing:
- Strategy Implementation: working for the Category Lead ensure that the strategy set for the category is implemented and maintained across SJP.
- Cost Optimisation and savings: identify and deliver opportunities for cost savings and increased ROI. Support the implementation of a cost-control approach across the category and use benchmarking to regularly test price competitiveness.
- Stakeholder Engagement: collaborate across SJP directorates to implement the category strategy and identify opportunities for improvement (cost/value/supplier performance) with the business.
- Sourcing and negotiation: responsible for sourcing events including RFIs, RFPs, contract negotiation and the choice of suppliers for the category. Apply negotiation strategies to help with the selection of suppliers.
- Risk Management: escalated risks to the strategy or suppliers to the Category lead.
- Reporting & Analytics: feed into KPI reporting to monitor the effectiveness of procurement activities.
Who we’re looking for: The ideal candidate will stay informed about market trends, emerging technologies and industry best practices for indirect procurement categories (Facilities, Marketing & Travel specifically), and be able to apply knowledge of RFP/RFI approaches, supplier evaluation, cost optimisation and negotiation techniques. They will have knowledge of cost models/cost structures and be able to score suppliers during an RFP process and articulate these to stakeholders. They will develop knowledge of the relevant category and how it is utilised across SJP and be able to understand the category strategy on the cost base and objectives of the relevant business areas. They will have strong communication skills and be able to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
Recent experience in procurement and category management gained within indirect spend categories. Proven experience in negotiating and managing contracts for the relevant category. CIPS qualification at any level or qualified by experience. Broad understanding of SJP’s approach to risk management with suppliers if relevant to this specific role. Strong communication and interpersonal skills – able to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
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 under‑represented 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.
Procurement Category Manager - Operational Services employer: St. James's Place
At SJP, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, making us an exceptional employer for the Procurement Category Manager role in Cirencester. Our hybrid work environment promotes flexibility, while our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our competitive benefits package, including generous parental leave and a non-contributory pension scheme. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values your contributions and supports your career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager - Operational Services
✨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 St. James's Place.
✨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 Procurement Category Manager - Operational Services
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 St. James's Place:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to St. James's Place. 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 St. James's Place.
How to prepare for a job interview at St. James's Place
✨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 St. James's Place!
✨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 St. James's Place. 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 St. James's Place's culture.
