An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Procurement Manager / Category Manager to join a leading commercial organisation undergoing continued growth and transformation. Based in Hertfordshire with hybrid working, this role offers the opportunity to lead strategic procurement activity, manage key supplier relationships, and deliver commercial value across a portfolio of indirect spend categories.This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional who enjoys influencing stakeholders, driving innovation, and developing category strategies that support long-term business objectives.
Your new role
As Procurement Manager, you will take ownership of a portfolio of indirect spend categories, managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle from strategy development through to supplier management and contract delivery. Key responsibilities include:
Developing and implementing category strategies aligned to business objectives
The role will focus primarily on indirect categories, with experience across HR, professional services, workforce solutions, travel, marketing, or corporate services highly advantageous.
Leading strategic sourcing activities, supplier selection, and tender exercises
Managing RFPs and supplier evaluations using balanced scorecard methodologies
Building robust business cases and procurement recommendations for stakeholder approval
Negotiating and managing contracts to deliver value, minimise risk, and ensure strong commercial outcomes
Managing supplier relationships and driving continuous improvements in service, quality, cost, sustainability, and innovation
Working closely with stakeholders to understand requirements and influence procurement decisions
Supporting compliance, governance, and procurement best practice across the organisation
Analysing spend, market trends, and supplier performance to identify value creation opportunitiesWhat you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you will have:
Proven experience as a Procurement Manager, Category Manager, Strategic Buyer, or Senior Procurement Specialist
Strong category management, sourcing, and contract negotiation experience
Experience managing indirect spend categories, ideally including HR, travel, professional services, or corporate services
Good understanding of IR35 requirements and associated supplier engagement considerations
Experience using ERP systems, ideally Oracle or similar platforms
Strong commercial, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing capabilities
Ability to develop strategic supplier partnerships and deliver measurable value
Professional, collaborative, and results-oriented approach
CIPS qualification or progress towards MCIPS would be advantageousWhat you'll get in return
Competitive salary and benefits package
Hybrid working with 2-3 days per week in the Hertfordshire office
Opportunity to lead strategic procurement and category management initiatives
Exposure to senior stakeholders and business-critical projects
Supportive and collaborative culture
Excellent opportunities for career development and progressionApply now
If you're an ambitious Procurement Manager or Category Manager looking to take ownership of strategic spend categories and drive commercial value within a large, complex organisation, we'd love to hear from you.
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Salary description
£55000.00 - £70000.00 per year