Category Lead – Indirect Procurement

Category Lead – Indirect Procurement - London - £65,000 + strong bonus + package (CIPS Sponsorship)

This is an opportunity to join a growing team focused on effective and strategic procurement. As a Category Lead, you will be a key member of a lean Indirect Procurement function, supporting its development, tools, and best practices. Reporting to the Head of Indirect Procurement, you’ll work closely with internal stakeholders to deliver business requirements aligned with the global procurement strategy.

Role Overview

You will manage key indirect categories such as IT & Telecom and Marketing & Communications. The role covers strategic sourcing, negotiation, contract management, vendor performance, risk assessment, and category management. You will help maximize value from technology and marketing spend while ensuring compliance, sustainability, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze data to identify opportunities and understand stakeholder needs
• Research supplier markets and assess risks; help refine the supplier panel
• Lead sourcing projects in major spend categories
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and service levels
• Support financial analysis and negotiate commercial terms to reduce total cost of ownership
• Act as category lead, collaborating with IT, Finance, Legal, and InfoSec
• Develop and review business cases for supplier selection
• Manage key suppliers and act as Lead Buyer where required
• Partner with IT leadership to forecast procurement needs and develop category roadmaps
• Advise stakeholders on procurement processes and supplier management
• Drive responsible sourcing, data security, and ESG initiatives
• Improve procurement practices and promote adherence to procurement policies
• Support the Head of Indirect Procurement in developing procurement frameworks

What You Bring

• CIPS qualification
• 3+ years’ experience in strategic procurement
• Strong stakeholder and supplier relationship skills
• Solid understanding of IT sourcing (software, hardware, services, infrastructure, telecoms, digital)
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong business acumen and adaptability
• Excellent negotiation skills and contract knowledge
• Experience with procurement tools (e.g., SAP, Ariba, AX)

Why Join

This role offers the chance to make a visible impact within a growing procurement function, shaping processes, influencing key stakeholders, and leading strategic initiatives across high-value categories. You’ll have the autonomy to drive meaningful change while working in a supportive environment that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

If you are interested, please send an updated CV to [email protected]