At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and develop strategies to optimise costs and supplier performance.
- Company: Join the AA, the UK's top motoring organisation with a century of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private medical insurance, and discounts on AA products.
- Other info: Diverse learning opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working in a hybrid environment.
- Qualifications: Significant procurement experience and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The AA is the nation's leading motoring organisation, offering roadside assistance, home and motor insurance, and driving technologies. For over a century we've evolved and adapted, supporting millions of customers.
Location: London – hybrid working 3 office days per week, with regular travel to our Basingstoke HQ and offsite supplier visits.
Employment Type: Initial 6-month Fixed Term Contract (FTC).
As Procurement Category Manager – Road Operations you’ll play a crucial role in a high-profile procurement portfolio, partnering with senior stakeholders, and driving measurable value.
What will I be doing?
- Leading end-to-end procurement activity, from opportunity identification and RFP management through to contract negotiation and supplier onboarding.
- Developing and delivering category and sourcing strategies that support business objectives, commercial performance and operational requirements.
- Managing supplier relationships and performance to ensure suppliers deliver against agreed contractual, service and commercial commitments.
- Identifying and delivering cost optimisation, efficiency and value creation opportunities across third-party spend.
- Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the business, providing commercial insight, market intelligence and procurement expertise.
- Supporting risk management, governance and compliance activities while driving continuous improvement across procurement processes.
What do I need?
- Significant procurement experience with strong end-to-end sourcing and category management expertise.
- Proven experience leading competitive tendering exercises, RFPs, supplier selection processes and contract negotiations.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage spend, challenge requirements and deliver measurable business value.
- Experience building effective relationships with suppliers and stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership teams.
- Excellent supplier management and contract management capability, with a focus on performance, risk and continuous improvement.
- Experience within automotive, fleet, logistics or service-based environments highly beneficial; applicants from other sectors are welcome.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme.
- Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution.
- Cash-Car Allowance & Private Medical Insurance.
- Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends.
- Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance.
- Employee discount scheme with car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more.
- Company-funded life assurance.
- Diverse learning and development opportunities.
- Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service.
We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong.
Procurement Category Manager - Road Operations in London employer: The AA
The AA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London with hybrid working options that promote work-life balance. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and diverse learning opportunities, all while being part of a culture that values inclusivity and personal growth. With a focus on employee well-being and a commitment to continuous improvement, the AA provides a rewarding career path for those looking to make a meaningful impact in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager - Road Operations in London
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager - Road Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show The AA that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, The AA can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows The AA that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let The AA know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at The AA
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
