At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier relationships to drive value.
- Company: Join The AA, a leading motoring organisation with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private medical insurance, and a cash car allowance.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career progression and personal development.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact in a fast-paced environment and drive change.
- Qualifications: Significant procurement experience and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Basingstoke (hybrid working 3 office days per week) as well as offsite supplier visits & travel to other AA sites.
Employment Type: Initial 6-month Fixed Term Contract (FTC).
Additional Benefits: Cash-Car Allowance & Private Medical Insurance.
Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again. For over a century, we've been evolving and adapting. Today, as the nation's leading motoring organisation, we offer a wide range of products and services to millions of customers. From roadside assistance to home and motor insurance, and the latest driving technologies, we have it all. As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, joining us as a Procurement Category Manager - Road Operations means you'll play a crucial role in our success and be part of this exciting motoring journey.
Our Chief Operating Office (COO) are the backbone of The AA, providing both stability and structure to support growth and innovation. We are the drivers of change.
This is the job: At The AA, we're transforming how we deliver value across our business and for our customers. We're looking for an experienced Procurement Category Manager to join us on an initial 6-month fixed term contract and make an immediate impact within a high-profile procurement portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys partnering with senior stakeholders and has a proven track record of delivering sourcing, contracting and supplier management outcomes. You'll play a key role in managing strategic procurement activity across a complex spend area while supporting business priorities and driving measurable value. This is an opportunity to join a well-established procurement function and take ownership of meaningful commercial activity from day one. We're looking for someone who can quickly build credibility, work autonomously and deliver results in a collaborative environment.
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, ensuring 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 helping to drive 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 would be highly beneficial, although we welcome applications from top performing procurement professionals from other sectors.
Additional information: Were always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, youll have access to a range of benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme.
- Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution.
- 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 that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more.
- Company funded life assurance.
- Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career.
- Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family.
Plus, so much more! Were 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. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.
Procurement Category Manager - Road Operations - NonVolume in Basingstoke employer: The Automobile Association
The AA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Basingstoke with hybrid working options that promote work-life balance. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including a cash car allowance, private medical insurance, and extensive learning opportunities, all while being part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values individual contributions and fosters professional growth.
Contact Details:
The Automobile Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager - Road Operations - NonVolume in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who might have insights into The AA. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching The AA’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to our mission and values. Tailor your examples to highlight your relevant experience in procurement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining The AA family and being part of our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager - Road Operations - NonVolume in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in end-to-end procurement, supplier management, and contract negotiations. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders. We value collaboration, so share examples of how you've successfully partnered with senior leadership teams or managed supplier relationships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team at The AA!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Automobile Association
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around end-to-end sourcing and category management. Be ready to discuss your experience with RFPs and contract negotiations, as these are key areas for the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. The AA values collaboration, so be ready to explain how you've partnered with senior leadership teams to deliver results.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Think about specific instances where you've identified cost optimisation or value creation opportunities. Highlight your ability to manage spend effectively and challenge requirements to drive measurable business value.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical procurement challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills, as this will show your ability to think on your feet and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
