Junior Category Specialist

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job description

We are looking for a detail-oriented Junior Category Specialist to join our Procurement team within the Finance Department. This role will support category management activities, focusing on the administration of procurement operations, supporting sourcing activities, and assisting with managing supplier performance data to help drive informed procurement decisions. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach will be key to success in this role.

The Junior Category Specialist role will be responsible for supporting the smooth operation of procurement activities across key spend categories. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in Procurement who is eager to develop their career in a dynamic environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The key responsibilities of this role are set out below and there may be others which are not listed. You may be required on occasion to work outside our normal working hours of 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Procurement Operations Administration:

1. Assist in the management and execution of source-to-contract activities, supporting the procurement process from initial sourcing through to contract completion.
2. Provide administrative support in the drafting, review, and approval of procurement contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies.
3. Help maintain and update procurement records, ensuring all documentation is accurate, organised, and accessible.
4. Coordinate the procurement process with internal stakeholders to ensure timely and efficient contract execution.
5. Assist in the development and maintenance of supplier performance dashboards, tracking key metrics and performance indicators.
6. Collect and collate data on supplier performance, ensuring regular updates are provided to Category and Senior Category Managers.
7. Support the monitoring of supplier performance and contribute to identifying areas for improvement or opportunities for greater collaboration.
8. Prepare and assist in the delivery of supplier performance reviews and presentations, providing insights to support decision-making.

Supplier Presentations and Reporting:

1. Build and design supplier presentations to support Category and Senior Category Managers in meetings with suppliers, internal teams, and leadership.
2. Help prepare reports and updates on category performance, including spend analysis, supplier performance, and contract status.
3. Assist in the creation of clear, concise, and professional presentations to communicate procurement findings, performance, and strategic insights.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

1. Work closely with Category and Senior Category Managers to ensure alignment across teams and effective execution of procurement strategies.
2. Provide administrative and analytical support to procurement teams in managing supplier relationships and achieving procurement goals.
3. Collaborate with internal departments such as finance, operations, and legal to ensure procurement processes run smoothly and efficiently.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Candidates for this position must have:

1. a keen eye for detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment;
2. communication and data management skills which are key in supporting the procurement team and contributing to the overall success of the procurement function;

Experience:

1. 1-2 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or a related field.
2. Some experience with source-to-contract processes and supplier performance management would be beneficial.

Technical and Analytical Skills:

1. Familiarity with procurement systems and tools (e.g., e-sourcing platforms, contract management software).
2. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, with the ability to manage and analyse data.
3. Basic experience in creating presentations using PowerPoint or similar tools.

Soft Skills:

1. Strong attention to detail with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
2. Motivated and detail oriented.
3. Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
4. Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities, demonstrating strong organisational and time-management skills.
5. A collaborative and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment.

Education:

1. Degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is desirable but not essential.

We welcome applications irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, belief or marital status.