Category Manager 3 month FTC

3 Month Contract We are looking for a Category Manager to join a highly respected international law firm on a 3 Month contract. This pivotal role is designed for someone who thrives on delivering measurable value, shaping best practices, and driving commercial outcomes across key spend categories. You will play a crucial part in supporting the organisation’s strategic objectives by ensuring the acquisition of goods and services at optimal value.

What you'll do:

As Category Manager, you will be entrusted with developing sourcing strategies that not only deliver cost efficiencies but also support the wider ambitions of the business. Your day-to-day responsibilities will see you engaging deeply with data analytics to uncover trends and opportunities for improvement while building strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers. You will be instrumental in negotiating contracts that protect the organisation’s interests, leading supplier reviews that drive continuous enhancement of service delivery, and collaborating across departments to resolve any supply chain challenges. Success in this role will come from your ability to balance commercial acumen with ethical procurement practices, leveraging your expertise to create sustainable value while fostering an inclusive environment where teamwork is paramount.

• Develop and implement category-specific sourcing strategies that align with departmental objectives and broader organisational goals.
• Conduct detailed spend analysis to identify optimisation opportunities and maximise return on investment across multiple procurement categories.
• Monitor supplier performance data rigorously to assess value for money and drive supplier improvement initiatives.
• Stay abreast of market trends and benchmarks to ensure competitiveness and introduce innovative approaches within procurement processes.
• Lead end-to-end category sourcing activities, ensuring robust supply chains that meet departmental needs efficiently.
• Support or lead negotiations with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms while upholding ethical standards throughout the process.
• Draft, review, and agree upon third-party contracts to secure beneficial agreements for the organisation.
• Oversee supplier performance reviews, spearheading development initiatives that foster long-term partnerships and mitigate risk across various time horizons.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as finance, operations, and legal to ensure procurement goals are fully aligned with business priorities.
• Utilise advanced analytical dashboards to provide regular reports on category performance, spend management, and procurement metrics.

What you bring:

To excel as Category Manager in this prestigious setting, you will bring a wealth of experience from similar roles where you have delivered significant commercial outcomes through expert category management. Your background will include deep technical knowledge of procurement processes combined with an aptitude for analysing complex data sets to inform strategic decisions. You will possess outstanding interpersonal skills that enable you to build trust-based relationships both internally—across finance, operations, legal—and externally with suppliers. Your approach will be grounded in integrity; you are known for upholding ethical standards while always seeking ways to improve efficiency or add value. A track record of successful contract negotiation coupled with advanced proficiency in relevant systems ensures you can hit the ground running. Above all else, your collaborative spirit means you thrive when working together towards shared goals within an inclusive team environment.

• A results-oriented approach focused on delivering measurable value through effective category management within complex organisations.
• Extensive knowledge of market dynamics and supplier ecosystems across multiple managed categories gained over at least five years in procurement roles.
• Demonstrated ability to foster innovation by challenging existing processes while remaining committed to ethical and sustainable procurement practices.
• Proficiency in procurement systems and tools alongside advanced skills in data analytics using BI platforms and Excel for informed decision-making.
• Exceptional communication skills enabling you to influence stakeholders at all levels of management through clear reporting and collaborative engagement.
• Strong project management abilities allowing you to juggle multiple priorities effectively while maintaining high standards of organisation.
• Comprehensive understanding of contract law with proven experience drafting agreements that safeguard organisational interests.
• Experience managing supplier relationships including conducting performance reviews, mitigating risks, and developing long-term supply plans executed via cross-functional teams.
• A degree in supply chain management, business administration or related field; CIPS qualification is highly desirable for this position.
• Commitment to continuous improvement demonstrated through previous success in cost management, profit protection, value creation, negotiation, and supplier management.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates