At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for professional services, ensuring value and effective supplier partnerships.
- Company: Join the University of Surrey's dynamic Finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, flexible working, and world-class facilities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment encouraging diverse applications and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategies that support university goals.
- Qualifications: Experience in professional services procurement and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 67468 - 67468 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Category Manager – Professional Services to join the University of Surrey’s Finance team. You will play a pivotal role in developing and delivering the University’s procurement strategy across a broad range of professional services categories, including HR, Finance, Marketing, Recruitment, and Travel. The role focuses on securing value for money, managing risk, and building effective supplier partnerships that support the University’s strategic, operational, and people-focused objectives.
The Role
Working in close collaboration with functional leads, business services teams, and senior stakeholders to understand operational, commercial, and strategic requirements, you will enable the delivery of fit-for-purpose procurement solutions. Your work will directly support service quality, flexibility, innovation, and scalability across diverse service areas. While the primary focus is Professional Services categories, the role may also support wider University procurement initiatives as required.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Developing and delivering the Professional Services category strategy
- Establishing and managing effective frameworks and commercial models
- Providing commercial leadership and stakeholder influence
- Leading complex sourcing, tendering, and negotiations
- Driving commercial value and performance improvement
- Improving supplier management, standardisation, and demand control
- Ensuring governance, contracts, and capability development
About You
The role requires a strong understanding of professional services procurement, including consultancy, outsourced services, agency models, and demand management. Flexibility of approach is essential, as is the ability to provide clear commercial leadership and work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, finance colleagues, and other senior leaders to define and deliver successful outcomes.
You will also have:
- Highly developed knowledge of procurement principles and practices, particularly regarding professional services related procurement.
- Significant experience managing complex procurements in a services organisation, including advertising, tendering, contract drafting, negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
- The proven ability to lead procurement-related business improvement and organisational change projects.
The ideal candidate will also be able to demonstrate experience of professional services procurement from within a public or private sector organisation and will have knowledge of procurement/e-procurement systems.
What we can offer
In addition to a competitive salary you will receive 25 days annual leave, with additional days for Bank Holidays and University closure days. We offer a generous pension, flexible working options, access to world-class leisure facilities, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery. £56,535 to £67,468 per annum.
How to apply
To apply please upload your CV and cover letter to the University website. Informal enquiries should be directed to Nick Jones via n.p.jones@surrey.ac.uk. Please note we are not looking for any external agency support on this role at this time.
The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We value everyone in our community and are seeking to increase the diversity. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.
Procurement Category Manager - Professional Services in Guildford employer: University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Procurement Category Manager, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working options, all while contributing to the strategic goals of a prestigious institution. With access to world-class facilities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the University fosters employee growth and development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager - Professional Services in Guildford
✨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 University of Surrey.
✨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 Procurement Category Manager - Professional Services in Guildford
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 University of Surrey:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to University of Surrey. 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 University of Surrey.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Surrey
✨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 University of Surrey!
✨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 University of Surrey. 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 University of Surrey's culture.
