Commercial Expert / Category Manager - Contingent Workforce

Chain IQ; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent global procurement firm is looking for a commercially savvy Category Manager to lead procurement for the contingent workforce across the UK and European markets. This role involves managing sourcing initiatives, negotiating contracts, and analyzing data to drive cost savings. Ideal candidates will have experience with Managed Service Providers and Vendor Management Systems, and will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Join this innovative team and help optimize workforce ownership while contributing to a sustainable procurement strategy.

Benefits

First-class benefits package

Great Place to Work certified

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in contingent workforce procurement.
• Strong knowledge of UK and European staffing markets and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives for contingent workforce.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on market trends and supplier strategies.

Skills

Contingent Workforce Procurement

Vendor Management Systems (VMS)

Negotiation Skills

Data Analysis

Market Analysis

Stakeholder Management

Education

University Degree

Tools

Fieldglass

Beeline

VNDLY

Job description

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Location:

London, GB Zürich, CH

Date: May 1, 2025

About Chain IQ

Chain IQ is an Independent Global Indirect Procurement company providing strategic, tactical, and operational procurement services. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland Chain IQ operates from 6 main centers and 14 offices worldwide.

Our team of experts work to transform procurement within an organization utilizing our market knowledge and insights supported by innovative technology to drive procurement efficiencies.

We apply the latest risk, sustainability, and social responsibility practicesto strengthen procurement resilience. Chain IQ’s approach to ESG supports ethical operations, business standards and bio-diversity whilst minimizing environmental impact.

About the Role

Chain IQ is seeking a commercially savvy and data-drivenCategory Managerto lead procurement efforts forContingent Workforceacross 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 ofManaged Service Providers (MSPs),Vendor Management Systems (VMS), and theprofessional 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 involvingMSPsandVMS 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.
• Minimum5+ years’ experiencein contingent workforce procurement, staffing supplier management, or working within an MSP/VMS environment.
• Strong working knowledge ofUK 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.

We are GreatPlaceToWorkcertifiedinSwitzerland,theUnitedStates,theUnitedKingdom,Singapore,Romania,PolandandChina.

We proudly offer a first-class benefits package to all employees, so come and join Chain IQ and become part of an innovative, inspiring, and high-performing team of entrepreneurs, who are globally connected and locally anchored.

Please let us know if you require any assistance during the recruitment process so that we can work with you to meet your needs.

Furthermore, please be advised that if you submit an application to us for this position, your application and personal details will be processed in accordance with ourData Privacy Notice for Job Candidates.

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