Category and Sourcing Lead

Lorien; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading banking institution is seeking a commercially driven Category & Sourcing Lead to join their high-performing Procurement team in Milton Keynes. This senior role involves shaping category strategies, driving value creation through innovative sourcing practices, and engaging at an executive level. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership in strategic sourcing and possess relevant professional qualifications. Apply now to contribute to transformative procurement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier performance.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience delivering ROI and cost transformation.
• Ability to influence and engage at executive level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of category strategies across high-value spend areas.
• Act as a senior advisor and deputy to the Head of Category & Sourcing.
• Drive value creation through innovative commercial models and supplier collaboration.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Supplier performance

Commercial acumen

Data-driven decision-making

Procurement systems

Contractual frameworks

Regulatory compliance

Education

CIPS, MRICS, APM or equivalent

Job description

Category & Sourcing Lead - Permanent - Banking Sector

Are you a commercially driven leader with a passion for strategic sourcing, supplier innovation, and delivering value beyond cost?

We're working with Santander UK to find an experienced Category & Sourcing Lead to join their high-performing Procurement team. This is a senior, permanent role focused on shaping and executing category strategies that drive transformation, innovation, and commercial excellence across the bank and its group entities.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Lead the development and execution of category strategies across high-value spend areas (£200m-£350m)
• Act as a senior advisor and deputy to the Head of Category & Sourcing, influencing executive-level stakeholders
• Drive value creation through innovative commercial models, supplier collaboration, and market insight
• Oversee complex sourcing initiatives, negotiations, and supplier relationship management
• Support financial planning, forecasting, and delivery of cost-to-income targets

Key Skills & Experience:

• Proven leadership in strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier performance
• Strong commercial acumen with experience delivering ROI and cost transformation
• Deep understanding of procurement systems, contractual frameworks, and regulatory compliance
• Ability to influence and engage at executive level, both internally and externally
• Skilled in storytelling and data-driven decision-making to shape strategic outcomes
• Experience managing outsourced partners and driving global negotiations
• Professional qualifications such as CIPS, MRICS, APM, or equivalent

If you're ready to lead strategic procurement at scale and shape the future of sourcing in a dynamic, purpose-driven organisation, apply now to join Santander UK's transformation journey.

Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group STEM Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.