At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives in the Technology category.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company transforming its business for future success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, generous leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising costs and enhancing supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, especially in Technology, with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Posted on: 24/07/2026 – Application Deadline: 15/08/2026
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 (London considered).
- Hybrid working 2-3 days p/wk in the office.
- Workplace Type: Hybrid
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Seniority: Mid-Senior Level
About the role:
Reporting to a Procurement Category Lead, you’ll act as a trusted partner to the business in implementing the strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives for the Technology procurement category. You’ll work with stakeholders within the Group Expense Management team and across the business to reduce cost and maximise value for the category in SJP.
About you:
This is an excellent opportunity for procurement professionals with experience in the Technology category who are looking to broaden their expertise, take on new challenges, and play a key role in driving business value. You'll have the chance to work on a diverse portfolio of high-profile initiatives, partnering with stakeholders across the organisation to support strategic objectives and contribute to the ongoing development of a progressive Procurement function.
What you’ll be doing:
- Support the delivery and ongoing implementation of category strategies, ensuring alignment with SJP's objectives and priorities.
- Identify opportunities to optimise costs, improve return on investment and maximise value from supplier relationships.
- Partner with stakeholders across SJP to understand business needs and drive continuous improvement in supplier performance, cost effectiveness and service delivery.
- Lead sourcing activities including RFIs, RFPs, supplier evaluations and contract negotiations.
- Apply effective negotiation techniques to secure commercial outcomes that deliver long-term value for SJP.
- Monitor supplier and category risks, escalating issues and emerging concerns to the Category Lead where appropriate.
- Contribute to procurement reporting and analytics, helping track performance against key objectives and procurement KPIs.
- Support a culture of commercial awareness and effective supplier management across the organisation.
Procurement experience within Technology category is required, however experience of working in other category areas (eg. professional services such as consulting, legal and marketing services) will be considered. Experience negotiating and managing contracts. Ability to apply knowledge of RFP/RFI approaches, supplier evaluation, cost optimisation and negotiation techniques in an appropriate way to the category. Knowledge of cost models and suitable costing structures for the category. Knowledge of how to score suppliers during an RFP process and be able to articulate these to stakeholders. Qualified by experience or working towards a CIPS qualification. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders effectively. Familiarity with procurement tools and systems (MarketDojo is our tool). Be able to balance the wider objectives for SJP with the objective of cost control and maximum value for SJP. Technology category experience helpful but not essential.
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 adjustments at any stage, please let us know by emailing us at careers@sjp.co.uk.
What’s next?
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 (x2) employer: St. James's Place
St. James’s Place is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in Cirencester, this hybrid role as a Data Privacy Manager not only provides competitive benefits such as parental leave and health insurance but also fosters an environment where employees can thrive through collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholders in the regulated financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager (x2)
✨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 (x2)
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.
