This business has witnessed significant growth over the past five years, with an impressive 40% increase in revenue during this period.

As part of a small team of four, the Category Manager will report directly to the Head of Procurement and be responsible for the development and execution of category strategies across a range of areas including HR, marketing, FM and travel.

While previous experience with these categories is not mandatory, candidates must possess previous experience in category management.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with senior stakeholders, forging strong relationships and demonstrating the value of procurement to the organisation.

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but dynamic team in its early stages of maturity, with the potential to drive and shape the procurement strategy in the years to come.

The role offers a hybrid working model, with the candidate working from home for most of the week and spending two days at the firm’s modern London offices.

Key Responsibilities for the Category Manager role:

• Category Management: Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders, understand firm requirements, create procurement strategies, assess the supply market, and refine strategies based on performance outputs.
• Sourcing and Procurement: Source the appropriate supply chain, lead procurement projects, produce tender documentation, build relationships with key individuals, and negotiate and draft key contractual clauses.
• Supplier Management: Maintain knowledge of suppliers, own and lead strategic relationships, monitor and analyse supplier performance, identify opportunities for improvements, and carry out applicable audits.
• Stakeholder Management: Create a roadmap, act as a centre of excellence, build strong relationships with stakeholders, liaise and report to the wider firm, elevate procurement’s status, provide support and training, and consult with other support functions.

Key Skills and Experience for the Category Manager role: 

• A minimum of three years of relevant procurement and supply management experience
• Proven relevant experience across a range of different indirect procurement categories
• CIPS accreditation is preferred or evidence of working towards achieving CIPS accreditation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively
• Personable and able to form strong working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to demonstrate value, insight, and innovation development
• Experience in effective supplier management techniques, including commercial and qualitative performance, risk management, and supplier relationship management
• Able to demonstrate experience in a broad range of key procurement skills, including leadership, negotiation, influencing, project and change management, and governance

Benefits of the Category Manager role:

• Up to £70,000 salary
• 25 days holiday
• Private medical
• Annual bonus
• 4x life assurance
• Matched pension
• Dental cover