Category Leader - 9 month contract - Preston or Portsmouth - £44.30ph UMB or £35.00ph PAYE (Inside IR35)

The Umbrella rate quoted above is the Gross Umbrella rate (i.e. the rate we pay to the Umbrella Company inclusive of ALL employment costs). Please note, the rate paid by the Umbrella will be less, as will a Limited Deemed rate or Agency PAYE rate. Please get in touch to discuss the rates via these different payment vehicles.

This role will require you to hold or be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC). You will need to obtain a Criminal Record Check and you must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship and have lived and worked in the UK for a minimum 5 year period. If you are unsure as to whether you are eligible, please contact me to discuss.

The role - Category Leader (Senior Buyer:

Would you like to work within a dynamic organisation with an exciting outlook for the future ahead? The Indirect Procurement Services organisation within our Shared Services business delivers a wide range of services and solutions to our UK lines of business.

We currently have a number of opportunities for Category Leader's working across the UK with flexibility to work remotely and on-site.

As a Category Leader, you will be working across the UK managing the end to end procurement process across a range of categories such as Professional Services, Consultancy, MRO and Logistics helping to transform how we procure and consume these good and services.

This role will provide you with the opportunity to work in a highly visible and varied role, building senior stakeholder networks across the business.

Your main responsibilities as a Category Leader will involve:

• Providing day-to-day support to sourcing and procurement activities, either through the management of day-to-day routine procurement activities, or by supporting strategic procurement initiatives or projects
• Taking a lead role in the end-to-end procurement lifecycle, from sourcing to contract negotiation / execution and ongoing Supplier Performance and Relationship Management
• Providing challenge into the conventional way of thinking and contracting, in order to develop innovative, business winning solutions
• Managing and influencing internal stakeholders across the business
• Negotiating on existing and new contracts to ensure best cost / service to the business
• Supporting the business in delivery of key projects as well as leading projects solely
• Analysing current spends and advising on areas of cost savings
• Managing suppliers to ensure there is a professional and effective business relationship

Your skills and qualifications:

• Demonstrable track record of Procurement / Commercial acumen
• Multi-site procurement and stakeholder management experience
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills
• Ability to demonstrate innovative thinking and translate complex procurement guidance into simple, straightforward and practical advice
• Experience of working within a complex supply chain environment such as: large retailers, oil & gas, aerospace, automotive, nuclear etc.
• CIPS qualification or willing to work towards

What we're looking for in you:
You will be organised and proactive with the ability to work autonomously. You should be able to engage across a broad range of stakeholders with the confidence to challenge and influence at all levels of the business where appropriate.