At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and execute the Technology category strategy while driving supplier performance and cost savings.
- Company: Join Primark, a dynamic global business that values people and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, competitive salary, healthcare, 27 days leave, and more perks.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team that encourages authenticity and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Procurement with expertise in technology and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Category Specialist - Technology
Because we strive to put people first. Culture, our way.
Procurement at Primark
What’s a career at Primark all about?
The positive impact you’re making, the experiences you’re having and the people you’re with.
You’re our inspiration.
Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected.
Leave your mark.
And do it your way.
What You’ll Get
This role is a hybrid opportunity, offering 1-2 days Working from home.
People are at the heart of what we do here, so it’s essential we provide you with the right environment to perform at your very best.
- Healthcare, pension, and potential bonus.
- 27 days of leave, plus bank holidays and if you want, you can buy 5 more.
- Tax Saver Tickets, fitness centre, and a subsidised cafeteria.
- What You’ll Do
We want you to feel challenged and inspired. Here, you’ll develop your skills across a range of responsibilities:
- Support the development and execution of the Technology category strategy across software, Saa S, cloud, infrastructure, telecommunications, hardware, and professional services.
- Analyse spend, supplier performance, contracts, market trends, and business requirements to identify opportunities for cost savings, value creation, and risk mitigation.
- Lead and support sourcing activities, supplier negotiations, and contract renewals, delivering commercially advantageous outcomes aligned with business objectives.
- Build strong relationships with business stakeholders, suppliers, and offshore delivery partners to ensure successful procurement planning and project execution.
- Drive supplier governance, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality, innovation, resilience, and sustainability.
- Leverage data, analytics, and digital tools to improve procurement efficiency, increase spend visibility, support decision-making, and ensure compliance with governance standards.
- What You’ll Bring
Here at Primark, we want everyone to feel valued – so please bring your authentic self to work, of course with some other key experience and abilities for this role in particular:
- 5+ years’ experience in Procurement, with strong knowledge of procurement processes, sourcing, supplier management, and category management principles.
- Technology procurement expertise, including software/Saa S, cloud, hardware, telecommunications, managed services, and technology professional services.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with experience evaluating pricing and licensing models, managing contracts, and delivering value-driven outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing abilities, building trusted relationships across internal teams, suppliers, and external partners in a matrixed environment.
- Analytical and strategic mindset, using spend, supplier, contract, and market data to identify opportunities, manage risk, and support evidence-based decision-making.
- Highly organised, proactive, and results-focused, with strong communication, project management, problem-solving, and change-driving capabilities, alongside a keen interest in technology market trends and category development.
Excited?
Good.
Because it’s energising to put your skills to work, in a growing global business committed to encouraging people to express themselves – and feel a sense of belonging.
Apply to be part of Primark’s future, today… and enjoy career growth, our way.
About Primark
At Primark, people matter.
They’re the beating heart of our business and the reason we’ve grown from our first store in Dublin in 1969 to a £9bn+ turnover business a over 80,000 colleagues and over 440 stores in 17 countries today.
Our values run through everything we do.
In essence, we're Caring and always strive to put people first.
We're also Dynamic, bravely pushing the boundaries to stay ahead.
And finally, we succeed Together.
If you need any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request, during your recruitment journey, such as extended time or breaks between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, mobility access, or assistive technology please contact your talent acquisition specialist.
All offers of employment are subject to background checks, including right to work, reference education and for some roles criminal, and financial checks.
If you have any concerns, please reach out to our talent acquisition team to discuss.
- #LIHybrid
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Category Specialist - Technology in Reading employer: Whereby
Pleo is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a significant impact. With a strong focus on employee growth, Pleo offers ample opportunities for career advancement and skill development, particularly in the vibrant tech hub of [location]. The company values its employees by providing a supportive environment that encourages creativity and teamwork, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to drive success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist - Technology in Reading
✨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 Whereby.
✨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 Category Specialist - Technology in Reading
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 Whereby:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Whereby. 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 Whereby.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whereby
✨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 Whereby!
✨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 Whereby. 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 Whereby's culture.
