Procurement Manager

Lead Category Manager Indirect Procurement

National Role - Preferred locations would be Midlands or the North

Our client is a well-established Logistic group with a large UK profile and established reputation. The business is at a pivotal juncture and is at the early stages of a companywide transformation and integration strategy.

As they embark on an exciting transformation journey to create a unified, world-class organisation, they are looking for a dynamic and driven Lead Category Manager Indirect Procurement to play a pivotal role in shaping the future.

This is more than a procurement role it s a strategic leadership opportunity at the heart of change. You'll help redefine how they operate across the business, driving integration, innovation, and value creation through smart, data-led sourcing strategies and bold decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Leadership: Own the strategy and execution of indirect procurement (sub-)categories, leveraging key value levers across cost, risk, performance, and sustainability.
• Strategic Sourcing: Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives, high-impact negotiations, and contract lifecycle management with a focus on measurable outcomes and long-term success.
• Supplier Excellence: Build high-performing partnerships with global and local suppliers, driving innovation and accountability through structured performance reviews and business planning.
• Spend Visibility: Maintain a firm grasp of your category spend data and insights, using them to inform smarter decisions and deliver proactive value.
• Performance Tracking: Implement and monitor KPIs that matter not just to track success, but to identify continuous improvement opportunities and efficiencies.
• Stakeholder Partnership: Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, aligning procurement initiatives with evolving business needs and working cross-functionally to unlock new opportunities.
• Digital & Operational Innovation: Bring a forward-thinking mindset to operational excellence. Champion the adoption of digital sourcing tools and models to streamline processes, reduce complexity, and accelerate outcomes.
• Collaboration & Integration: Work hand-in-hand with the Procurement Operations team to ensure alignment, seamless execution, and continuous enhancement of sourcing strategies across the business.

What You Bring

• A strong, end-to-end understanding of procurement principles, systems, and value levers.
• Proven expertise in managing complex indirect categories (e.g. IT, professional services, marketing, facilities, Energy, Fuel etc ) in a multi-site or international environment.
• A track record of delivering results through strategic sourcing, cost optimisation, and supplier management.
• The ability to build rapport quickly and influence effectively across all levels of the organisation from operational teams to senior leadership.
• Experience working within (or leading) procurement functions undergoing change, integration, or transformation.
• A growth mindset, commercial sharpness, and the confidence to challenge the status quo while staying grounded in data and business reality.
• Familiarity with digital procurement tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa) and an appetite to drive smarter ways of working.
• Degree-qualified (business, supply chain or related field), with CIPS or equivalent certification preferred.

This role offers the chance to step into a business on the move where your voice will be heard, your impact felt, and your ideas will help shape a future-fit, high-performing organisation.

The Person

Essential Traits and Competencies

Strategic Thinker: Able to develop and drive long-term category strategies aligned with business objectives, balancing cost, quality, risk, and innovation.

Commercially Astute: Strong understanding of cost drivers, contract structures, and market dynamics to deliver value beyond price.

Results-Oriented: Demonstrates a track record of achieving savings, service improvements, and risk mitigation through proactive sourcing initiatives.

Stakeholder-Focused: Builds strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers to influence and drive change.

Analytical and Insight-Driven: Uses data to inform decisions, drive performance, and identify new opportunities for value creation.

Resilient and Adaptable: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines.

Strong Negotiator: Skilled in negotiating complex contracts and managing supplier performance to ensure delivery against KPIs and SLAs.

Leadership Capability: Experience managing or mentoring others, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and procurement projects.

Required Skills and Experience

Proven experience in indirect procurement, ideally within a complex, multi-site or logistics-focused business.

Demonstrable expertise across key indirect categories (e.g. professional services, IT, Facilities, Fleet, HR, Energy, Fuel, Marketing, etc.).

Deep understanding of strategic sourcing methodologies, supplier relationship management, and total cost of ownership principles.

Strong understanding of contract law, procurement regulations, and compliance frameworks.

Proficiency in procurement tools and platforms (e.g. SAP Ariba, Coupa, Oracle, etc.).

Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills at senior levels.

Degree-qualified (business, supply chain, or a related field); MCIPS or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Please get in touch with Andrew to discuss this very exciting new role.