Procurement Category Manager (x2)

Are you ready tochart your own career path? With our refreshed strategy, we’re building on our rich heritage and transforming our business to be more scalable and efficient, unlocking the capabilities needed for future success. This includes significantly investing in technology, streamlining the way we work and creating an environment where colleagues feel engaged, empowered and accountable; where they can show up, speak up and perform - because we believe in the difference our work makes.

At a glance:

Location: Cirencester (London considered). Hybrid working 2-3 days p/wk in the office.

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Employment Type: Permanent

Seniority: Mid-Senior Level

About the role:

Reporting to a Procurement Category Lead, you’ll act as a trusted partner to the business in implementing the strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives for the Technology procurement category. You’ll work with stakeholders within the Group Expense Management team and across the business to reduce cost and maximise value for the category in SJP.

About you:

This is an excellent opportunity for procurement professionals with experience in the Technology category who are looking to broaden their expertise, take on new challenges, and play a key role in driving business value. You'll have the chance to work on a diverse portfolio of high-profile initiatives, partnering with stakeholders across the organisation to support strategic objectives and contribute to the ongoing development of a progressive Procurement function.

What you'll be doing:

As a Procurement Category Manager, you'll:

• Support the delivery and ongoing implementation of category strategies, ensuring alignment with SJP's objectives and priorities.
• Identify opportunities to optimise costs, improve return on investment and maximise value from supplier relationships.
• Partner with stakeholders across SJP to understand business needs and drive continuous improvement in supplier performance, cost effectiveness and service delivery.
• Lead sourcing activities including RFIs, RFPs, supplier evaluations and contract negotiations.
• Apply effective negotiation techniques to secure commercial outcomes that deliver long-term value for SJP.
• Monitor supplier and category risks, escalating issues and emerging concerns to the Category Lead where appropriate.
• Contribute to procurement reporting and analytics, helping track performance against key objectives and procurement KPIs.
• Support a culture of commercial awareness and effective supplier management across the organisation.

Essential Criteria:

• Procurement experience within Technology category is required, however experience of working in other category areas (eg. professional services such as consulting, legal and marketing services) will be considered.
• Experience negotiating and managing contracts.
• Ability to apply knowledge of RFP/RFI approaches, supplier evaluation, cost optimisation and negotiation techniques in an appropriate way to the category.
• Knowledge of cost models and suitable costing structures for the category.
• Knowledge of how to score suppliers during an RFP process and be able to articulate these to stakeholders.
• Qualified by experience or working towards a CIPS qualification.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders effectively.
• Familiarity with procurement tools and systems (MarketDojo is our tool).
• Be able to balance the wider objectives for SJP with the objective of cost control and maximum value for SJP.

Desirable Criteria:

• Technology category experience helpful but not essential.

What's in it for you?

We reward you for the work you do, whether that’s through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance, competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days), or online rewards platform with a variety of discounts.
We also have benefits to support whatever stage of life you are in, including:

• Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay)
• Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit)
• 10% non-contributory pension (increasing with length of service)

Reasonable Adjustments
We're an equal opportunities employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all, if you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage please let us know by emailing us at
Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career-break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate some transferable experience please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.