Procurement Category Manager – Contingent Workforce

Confidential Jobs; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment consultancy in the UK is seeking a Mid-Senior level commercial procurement professional. This role involves leading sourcing initiatives for contingent workforces, providing commercial insights, and negotiating competitive terms. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in procurement or staffing management, a strong understanding of the UK staffing market, and hands-on experience with VMS platforms. Strong analytical and negotiation skills are essential. The position offers a full-time employment arrangement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in contingent workforce procurement or staffing supplier management.
• Deep understanding of the UK and European temporary staffing markets.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives for contingent workforce.
• Act as a commercial advisor providing insights on market trends.
• Execute tenders and negotiate competitive commercial terms.

Skills

Sourcing initiatives

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

University degree or equivalent experience

Tools

VMS platforms (Fieldglass, Beeline, VNDLY)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives for contingent workforce and temporary staffing categories.
• Act as a trusted commercial advisor, providing insights on market trends, rate benchmarks, supplier strategies, and compliance topics.
• Support commercial processes involving MSPs and VMS tools (e.g., Fieldglass, Beeline, VNDLY).
• Analyze data to identify cost optimization opportunities and drive supplier performance improvements.
• Execute tenders, evaluate proposals, and negotiate competitive commercial terms.
• Draft and structure contracts based on client requirements, with limited legal support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and cross-functional internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to category strategy and market intelligence efforts.
• Support knowledge sharing and, where relevant, coach junior colleagues.

What You Bring

• University degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in contingent workforce procurement, staffing supplier management, or within an MSP/VMS environment.
• Deep understanding of UK and European temporary staffing markets and commercial models (e.g., mark‑ups, co‑employment, IR35).
• Hands‑on experience with VMS platforms such as Fieldglass, Beeline, or VNDLY.
• Proven ability to run sourcing initiatives, negotiate contracts, and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, multi‑client environment.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Purchasing and Supply Chain

Industries

• Business Consulting and Services