At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for insurance and benefits in a dynamic, global organisation.
- Company: Join a fast-paced, innovative company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate of £450, hybrid work model, and impactful projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-value procurement initiatives and influence business outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: 12-month contract with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 32400 - 46800 £ per year.
We’re seeking an experienced Procurement Buyer / Category Manager (Indirect Procurement) to support a high-impact sourcing function within a global, fast-paced organisation. This role is focused on insurance, brokerage, and card-embedded benefits sourcing, and is ideal for professionals with a strong indirect procurement background who excel in delivering value, influencing stakeholders, and driving sourcing strategy. Candidates with indirect procurement / sourcing experience across HR services, benefits, insurance, or professional services will be particularly well suited.
- Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end sourcing and procurement activities across insurance and benefits categories
- Deliver both strategic and tactical sourcing initiatives across indirect spend
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers
- Develop and execute category strategies and sourcing plans
- Drive commercial value, cost optimisation, and innovation
- Support supplier selection, negotiations, and contract management
- Provide market insights and category expertise to inform decision-making
What We’re Looking For
- Essential Experience:
- Strong background in indirect procurement / sourcing / category management
- Proven experience as a Procurement Buyer or Category Manager
- Experience sourcing within areas such as:
- Insurance / brokerage
- Employee benefits / HR services
- Professional services or similar indirect categories
- Highly Desirable:
- Experience in financial services, fintech, or regulated environments
- Exposure to insurance or benefits procurement categories
- Professional procurement qualifications (e.g., MCIPS)
Why Apply?
- Work on high-value, strategic procurement initiatives
- Join a collaborative and forward-thinking sourcing function
- Opportunity to influence category strategy and business outcomes
- Competitive day rate (£450/day) with hybrid flexibility
Location & Working Model
- London-based (Paddington area)
- Hybrid: 3 days onsite / 2 days
Contract Details
- Duration: 12 months
- Day Rate: £450 per day (inside/outside IR35 depending on setup)
If you’re a strong procurement buyer with indirect sourcing expertise, ready to make an impact in a dynamic environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Procurement Manager in Slough employer: XML International
Contact Detail:
XML International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in insurance and benefits. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s procurement strategies. Show them you know your stuff about indirect procurement and how you can add value. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in sourcing and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Procurement Manager role. We’re all about making connections and helping you find the right fit, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your skills directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in indirect procurement and sourcing. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page and you’ve got what it takes!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share specific examples of how you've delivered value in previous roles, especially in insurance or benefits procurement. Let us see your personality too!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills: We want to know how you engage with stakeholders. Include examples of how you've influenced decisions and built relationships in your past roles. This will help us see your fit for our collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at XML International
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of insurance, brokerage, and employee benefits. Be ready to discuss specific sourcing strategies you've implemented in these areas. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the categories but can also bring valuable insights to the table.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve navigated complex environments and built strong relationships. This is crucial for a Procurement Manager, so make it a key part of your discussion.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to talk about how you've driven cost optimisation and delivered commercial value in past projects. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your success. This will highlight your ability to contribute to the organisation's bottom line.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Anticipate questions around negotiation tactics and be prepared to role-play scenarios. Discuss your approach to supplier selection and contract management, as this will showcase your hands-on experience and strategic thinking in procurement.