At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global strategies for indirect spend, driving cost optimisation and supplier performance.
- Company: A world-leading supplier of innovative B2B and B2C products with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on transforming procurement processes globally.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on business growth while promoting sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior procurement roles and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
This is a newly created, strategic role within a growing global product supplier's Group Procurement Centre of Excellence. As owner of the global Indirect Spend categories, the Senior Category Leader will define and execute category strategies that drive commercial value, reduce total cost of ownership, and build long-term strategic supplier partnerships across a diverse portfolio. The initial focus will be on transport, logistics, and distribution, before expanding into all aspects of indirect purchasing.
This role provides leadership across multiple business units, ensuring alignment to group strategy, standardisation of procurement processes, and governance of indirect spend. It plays a pivotal part in group cost transformation programmes, operational effectiveness, the sustainability agenda, and working capital performance.
Key Objectives
- Develop and lead long-term global strategies for Indirect Spend categories (e.g., logistics, facilities, professional services, IT, marketing, capex-related services)
- Deliver year-on-year value through cost optimisation, strategic sourcing, and supplier performance improvement
- Strengthen supply resilience and reduce risk through structured supplier management, contract governance, and category planning
- Drive standardisation, process discipline, and compliance across all indirect purchasing activity
- Provide senior stakeholders with insights using data, benchmarking, and market intelligence to support decision making
Key Accountabilities
- Category Strategy & Leadership
- Own and deliver 5-year category strategies aligned to business priorities, sustainability, and financial goals
- Lead global sourcing, supplier consolidation, and cross-functional alignment with Finance, IT, Operations, HR, Marketing, Legal, and Executive teams
- Act as senior escalation point for supplier performance, contracts, and risk management
- Commercial & Supplier Management
- Lead high-value negotiations for service contracts, SLAs, T&Cs, and multi-year agreements
- Drive measurable savings, cost avoidance, efficiency gains, and working capital improvements
- Implement structured supplier performance management and development programmes to enhance cost, service, sustainability, innovation, and digital capability
- Risk, Quality & Performance
- Manage supplier risk across compliance, financial health, business continuity, ESG, data security, and legal exposure
- Ensure corrective actions, contract compliance, and process adherence
- Monitor performance via KPIs, dashboards, and regular business reviews
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Governance
- Act as a senior procurement ambassador, influencing stakeholders globally
- Standardise processes, policies, and category governance frameworks
- Support strategic initiatives including outsourcing, footprint expansion, transformation programmes, and post-acquisition integration
Essential Requirements
- Senior procurement/category management experience in a global or multi-site organisation
- Proven success managing complex indirect categories and delivering measurable commercial results
- Strong commercial, analytical, and ERP/data skills (SAP, Dynamics 365, Power BI)
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities
- Experienced in leading cross-functional teams and driving change in fast-paced environments
Desirable
- Experience managing professional services, logistics, IT, facilities, or capex-related service categories
- Knowledge of sustainability frameworks, ESG reporting, and supplier compliance programmes
- Professional certifications: CIPS, APICS/CSCP, Lean/Six Sigma
This is a rare opportunity in a senior procurement role, driving high-impact improvements that directly support business growth. Our client is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All applications will be considered.
If you would like to learn more, please apply or contact Tim Hill at Technical Placements for an initial chat.
Senior Procurement Category Manager - Indirect in London employer: Technical Placements
Join a leading aerospace manufacturing company in Wigston, Leicestershire, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and precision. With competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, we are committed to fostering employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, making this an ideal environment for those eager to advance their careers in the aerospace sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Category Manager - Indirect 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 Technical Placements.
✨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 Senior Procurement Category Manager - Indirect 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 Technical Placements:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Technical Placements. 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 Technical Placements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Technical Placements
✨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 Technical Placements!
✨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 Technical Placements. 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 Technical Placements's culture.
