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- Tasks: Manage procurement strategies to optimise TalkTalk's spend and drive business objectives.
- Company: Join TalkTalk, a leading telecom brand committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous holiday, private healthcare, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while shaping the future of procurement.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship-building skills, data literacy, and strategic procurement experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse workplace that values your individuality and growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location : London/Manchester (Hybrid)
Procurement at TalkTalk is changing. We have a vision of procurement as a function that delivers TalkTalk\’s business strategy through its suppliers. Delivering that vision will require a small team of skilled, experienced, and credible category managers to work alongside their business stakeholders.
We\’re looking for people who share this vision and have the energy and hunger to drive the change we need. We\’re looking for people that think innovatively on how to best deliver for the business, are not constrained by a traditional procurement role, can influence in a complex and changing stakeholder landscape, and that won\’t take no for an answer.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a new team, influence the evolution of procurement in a household brand, and make a real impact on the performance of the wider business.
Your responsibilities:
- Understand and proactively manage TalkTalk spend in your category using comprehensive category strategies to make sure that every penny is delivering TalkTalk\’s business objectives. Success is defined by our impact on company KPI\’s including both financial and non-financial measures.
- Identifying and prioritising opportunities where procurement can deliver value, delivering those opportunities through strategic sourcing or negotiation, putting in place appropriate contracts, and then managing performance against the resulting contracts through life
- To represent procurement as part of relevant business area leadership teams, including Executive Committee and their direct reports
- Building business cases and supporting them through the relevant governance
- Being a positive and proactive member of the TalkTalk procurement team
Core skills required:
- Able to influence challenging stakeholders and work closely with them
- Ability to build strong relationships built on mutual trust and respect
- Knowledge and experience of delivering value through strategic procurement activity
- Experience running RFx processes, planning and running sourcing projects efficiently
- Competent and skilled negotiator
- Highly data literate with good working knowledge of Excel and the ability to derive actionable insights from complex and incomplete data sets
- Working knowledge of financial accounting basics including P&Ls, balance sheets, and cashflow statements and the practical differences between them
- Attention to detail while able to think strategically and long-term
- Knowledge of commercial contracts, including drafting
- Understanding of SRM principles, including performance and contractual management
- Enthusiasm to grow and develop with training and attending industry events
- Experience of working in the Telecom industry is not required
Category specific skills required:
- Enthusiasm for sourcing, negotiation, and delivering savings to the business
- Knowledge of Supply Chain best practices
Be Yourself. Make an Impact. Join Us.
As a recognised Top 50 Inclusive Employer in the UK, we believe that diversity fuels innovation and success. We’re committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities and customers we serve. At TalkTalk, inclusion is part of our DNA – we’re all 100% human, and we’ve created a culture where you can truly be yourself.
We’re not your traditional 9-5. We’re a dynamic, flexible workplace, and we’re excited to hear how you like to work. Whether you thrive in collaboration, focus better at home, or prefer a bit of both – let’s make it work.
What We Offer
- Flexible hybrid working – with a minimum of 50% office presence to support teamwork and connection
- Collaborative office spaces designed for creative thinking and innovation
- Free on-site parking at our offices
- Generous holiday package – 25 days annual leave, 3 wellbeing days, and your birthday off (plus the option to buy up to 10 more days!)
- Private healthcare for all employees
- Competitive pension scheme and performance-related bonus opportunities
- Free broadband for all employees
- Life event gifts – celebrating milestones like marriages and births
- Inclusive employee networks – open to all, supporting peer connection and thought-provoking conversations
- Salary sacrifice scheme – save on dental, gym, and more
- Big retail and leisure discounts
- 3 paid volunteering days a year – because making a difference matters to us too
Procurement Category Manager employer: TalkTalk
Contact Detail:
TalkTalk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with TalkTalk's business strategy and values. Understanding their vision for procurement will help you align your approach and demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of TalkTalk, especially those in procurement roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Being able to showcase your negotiation skills and strategic thinking will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management. Showing that you're knowledgeable about industry best practices will set you apart and highlight your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Procurement Category Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their vision of innovative procurement.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in strategic procurement, stakeholder management, and negotiation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence and deliver value in complex environments.
Showcase Data Literacy: Since the role requires strong data literacy, include examples of how you've used data analysis to drive decisions or improve procurement processes. Mention your proficiency in Excel and any relevant tools you’ve used.
Express Enthusiasm for Change: TalkTalk is looking for candidates who are eager to drive change. In your application, convey your passion for procurement and your desire to contribute to the evolution of their procurement function. Share your thoughts on how you can make a real impact.
How to prepare for a job interview at TalkTalk
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Procurement Category Manager. Familiarise yourself with how procurement can drive business strategy and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these expectations.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As negotiation is a key part of this role, come prepared with examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight your approach, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes achieved to demonstrate your competency.
✨Demonstrate Data Literacy
Since the role requires strong data literacy, be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform procurement decisions. Bring examples of how you've derived actionable insights from complex data sets, particularly in relation to cost savings or efficiency improvements.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
TalkTalk values strong relationships with stakeholders. Prepare to share examples of how you've built trust and respect with challenging stakeholders in previous roles, and how you navigated complex situations to achieve positive outcomes.
