At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and drive value delivery in Outsourcing and Consulting.
- Company: Join a global leader in procurement with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private healthcare, and a pension scheme with matched contributions.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working options and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing supplier relationships and driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and excellent negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Description
WTW Procurement is expanding the Sourcing team to support Outsourcing and Consulting spend and is seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead and execute procurement activities.
This role is responsible for driving value delivery, ensuring supplier performance, and supporting operational excellence across Outsourcing Category.
You will work in close partnership with Material Outsourcing and Consulting Lead and collaborate with business stakeholders and Procurement colleagues in the UK, US, France and Mumbai.
You will be a trusted advisor to partner on procurement related matters for the organisation.
Key responsibilities include developing strategies for your Category, understand the latest market trends and insights, managing supplier relationships, identifying and mitigating risks, and ensuring full compliance with WTW policies and relevant regulatory requirements.
The successful candidate will bring strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and excellent negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills.
You will have demonstrable Category Management experience, including spend analysis, contract analysis, and the ability to build and execute category plans and pipelines.
Proficiency with Ariba Sourcing and Contract modules is essential.
The Role
- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Partner with business leaders to understand future demand, upcoming initiatives, and project pipelines.
- Facilitate cross‑functional alignment to ensure sourcing strategies reflect business needs.
- Translate business requirements into clear sourcing plans and category opportunities.
- Lead RFPs, RFIs and negotiations.
- Conduct internal and external benchmarking to identify value opportunities and commercial gaps.
- Supplier Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure delivery, innovation, and performance.
- Lead Supplier Performance Management activities, including QBRs, scorecards, corrective actions, and risk mitigation (as required).
- Drive supplier consolidation, rationalisation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Contracting & Compliance
- Work closely with Legal, Finance and Compliance on contract drafting, renewals, and commercial risk mitigation.
- Negotiate and manage contracts in accordance with WTW Procurement policy and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with ESG, risk management, and governance standards.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the trusted advisors and procurement partner, providing commercial insights and strategic guidance.
- Build strong cross‑functional relationships with Operations, Finance, HR, IT, and Legal teams.
- Present sourcing plans, savings updates, and supplier performance insights to senior management.
- Represent Procurement in regional governance forums or audits.
- Financial & Operational Performance
- Own savings pipeline management for your Category.
- Deliver measurable savings, cost avoidance, and value improvements.
Qualifications
What you'll bring
Essential
- Strong procurement experience, ideally within Financial and Insurance sectors within a multinational environment.
- Outsourcing and Professional Service category management experience
- Good knowledge and proven application of sourcing and procurement principles and best practices
- Ability to building reporting and pipeline management
- Strong knowledge of commercial law and procurement regulations.
- Proven negotiation and contract management skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strategic and analytical mindset with strong financial and commercial understanding.
- Preferred
- Knowledge of procurement systems (Ariba, Oracle, Power BI, MS Office etc.).
- Professional certification (CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent).
- Experience working in a matrix organisation.
- Creativity to seek, encourage and find non-traditional approaches to procurement challenges
- Change management and self-awareness skills to adopt targeted approaches to a dynamic set of stakeholders
- Strong cost management and value improvement orientation
- Familiarity with relevant legislative, regulatory requirements, and industry standards as well as understanding of standard contractual terms and conditions to mitigate legal risk and ensure compliance
What we offer
Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally.
You'll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge.
Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind.
Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company.
We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community.
On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle-to-work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more.
Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants.
If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidatehelpdesk@wtwco. com
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Procurement Category Lead - Outsourcing employer: Willis Towers Watson
Willis Towers Watson is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the insurance sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and a supportive environment that values professional development, all while being part of a leading global firm located in the heart of the UK. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the industry and build lasting relationships with key partners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Lead - Outsourcing
✨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 Willis Towers Watson.
✨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 Lead - Outsourcing
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 Willis Towers Watson:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Willis Towers Watson. 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 Willis Towers Watson.
How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Towers Watson
✨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 Willis Towers Watson!
✨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 Willis Towers Watson. 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 Willis Towers Watson's culture.
