At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies in financial services education and manage vendor relationships.
- Company: Join a non-profit organisation focused on financial education and professional development.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the investment industry while developing your procurement expertise.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in education procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working culture with opportunities for mentorship and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Procurement Category Manager with specialist expertise in the financial services education sector. This role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that deliver value, manage risk, and support high-quality educational outcomes. The ideal candidate will bring strong sector knowledge, proven procurement expertise, and the ability to partner effectively with senior stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and implement category strategies aligned with organisational goals, particularly within financial services education and learning provision.
- Lead end-to-end procurement activities including market analysis, sourcing, tendering, negotiation, contract award, and vendor management.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into effective procurement solutions.
- Manage vendor performance, contract compliance, risk, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, value creation, innovation, and sustainability within assigned categories.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with internal governance, policies, and relevant regulatory requirements.
- Provide commercial advice and market insight to support strategic decision-making.
- Support broader procurement transformation initiatives and mentor junior team members where appropriate.
- Minimum 4 yearsβ experience in the education sector, with demonstrable exposure to learning, training, or educational services procurement.
- Strong background in category management, strategic sourcing, and vendor relationship management.
- Proven negotiation skills and experience managing complex contracts.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at multiple levels.
- Strong analytical capability and commercial acumen.
- CIPS qualification β preferred.
- Degree or equivalent professional experience in procurement, business, or a related discipline.
- Experience specifically within financial services education, professional qualifications, or certification bodies.
- Knowledge of regulated or membership-based organisations.
- Experience working in matrix or international environments.
- Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset.
- Collaborative and relationship-driven.
- High attention to detail with the ability to.
Whatever your long-term career ambition, you will be joining a company that provides the flexibility to develop your career. They offer a supportive and welcoming working environment, including hybrid working. They will take your career seriously and help you be the best you can be.
Procurement Category Manager in City of London employer: The Digital Recruitment Company
Contact Detail:
The Digital Recruitment Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager in City of London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services education sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and donβt be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its values, especially their commitment to trust and transparency in financial markets. Be ready to discuss how your procurement expertise aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where youβve successfully managed complex contracts or vendor relationships. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of a Procurement Category Manager.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, weβre here to support you throughout the process, so take advantage of all the resources we offer to help you land that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in financial services education and how it aligns with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: Donβt hold back on showcasing your procurement expertise! Mention specific examples of category management, vendor relationships, and any successful negotiations you've led. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what youβve achieved!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates. Plus, itβs super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Digital Recruitment Company
β¨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the financial services education sector. Be ready to discuss category strategies and how you've successfully managed vendor relationships in the past.
β¨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships with internal stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced decision-making at various levels within an organisation.
β¨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
Be ready to talk about your analytical capabilities. Discuss how you've used data to identify cost optimisation opportunities or improve vendor performance, as this will show your commercial acumen.
β¨Align with Their Values
Research the companyβs mission around trust, competence, and transparency in financial markets. Be prepared to explain how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals in the procurement space.