Commercial Expert / Category Manager - Contingent Workforce

Chain IQ; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global procurement service partner is seeking a Category Manager to lead procurement efforts for Contingent Workforce across the UK and Europe. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in procurement, particularly in the staffing industry, and a strong grasp of VMS platforms. This role involves sourcing, negotiating contracts, and advising clients on market trends. Join a dynamic team that values bold thinking and impactful action.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in contingent workforce procurement or staffing supplier management.
• Strong working knowledge of UK and European staffing markets and compliance factors.
• Proven track record in managing sourcing initiatives and negotiating contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives for contingent workforce and temporary staffing categories.
• Serve as a trusted commercial advisor to clients on market trends and supplier strategies.
• Analyze large datasets to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supplier performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Client-focused

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Education

University degree or equivalent

Tools

VMS platforms (e.g., Fieldglass, Beeline, VNDLY)

Job description

Overview

Location: London, GB; Zürich, CH

Date: Sep 23, 2025

At Chain IQ, your ideas move fast.

Chain IQ is a global AI-driven Procurement Service Partner, headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, with operations across main centers and 16 offices worldwide. We provide tailored, end-to-end procurement solutions that enable transformation, drive scalability, and deliver substantial reductions in our clients' indirect spend. Our culture is built on innovation, entrepreneurship, ownership, and impact. Here, your voice matters - bold thinking is encouraged, and action follows ambition.

About the Role

Chain IQ is seeking a commercially savvy and data-driven Category Manager to lead procurement efforts for Contingent Workforce across the UK and European markets. You will be part of a collaborative, fast-paced team that supports our clients through the full sourcing lifecycle—from strategy and market analysis to negotiation and contract execution.

This role is ideal for candidates with a strong understanding of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Vendor Management Systems (VMS), and the professional staffing industry, who are passionate about delivering best-in-class commercial outcomes. Whether you come from a leading MSP or have managed the contingent workforce category in-house, you’ll thrive here if you’re analytically sharp, client-focused, and keen to optimize total cost of workforce ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives for contingent workforce and temporary staffing categories.
• Serve as a trusted commercial advisor to clients, guiding them on market trends, rate benchmarks, supplier strategies, and compliance considerations.
• Drive commercial excellence in deals involving MSPsand VMS platforms(e.g., Fieldglass, Beeline, VNDLY).
• Analyze large datasets to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supplier performance.
• Run market tenders, evaluate bids with cross-functional teams, and negotiate competitive commercial terms.
• Draft and structure contracts aligned with client needs, with limited legal support.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Contribute to sourcing strategy and category planning through market intelligence.
• Mentor junior team members where applicable and support knowledge-sharing across teams.

What We’re Looking For

• University degree or equivalent.
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in contingent workforce procurement, staffing supplier management, or working within an MSP/VMS environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK and European staffing markets, commercial models, and compliance factors (e.g., co-employment, IR35, mark-up structures).
• Hands-on experience with VMS platforms (e.g., Fieldglass, Beeline, VNDLY).
• Proven track record in managing sourcing initiatives, negotiating contracts, and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in fast-paced, multi-client environments.

Join a truly global team.

We offer a dynamic and international environment where high performance meets real purpose. We\'re proud to be Great Place to Work-certified and even prouder of the people who make that possible. Let’s shape the future of procurement - together.

Chain IQ – Create. Lead. Make an impact.

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