Procurement Specialist - Direct Categories

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established procurement organization is seeking ambitious Procurement Specialists for their Birmingham office. This hybrid role offers hands-on experience in end-to-end sourcing and direct procurement activities. Eligible candidates should have early procurement experience, and are motivated to learn quickly in a supportive environment. The organization emphasizes genuine career progression based on performance and capability. A great opportunity for those aiming to accelerate their procurement careers.

Qualifications

• Some experience in procurement or commercial sectors.
• Interest in developing procurement skills.
• Motivated to learn in a structured environment.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on exposure to end-to-end sourcing.
• Engage with suppliers for procurement activities.
• Make commercial decisions across complex categories.
• Work closely with experienced procurement leaders.

Skills

Procurement experience

Commercial awareness

Ambition and motivation

Curiosity to learn

Job description

Procurement Specialist - Direct Categories

Birmingham (Hybrid Working)

Up to £45,000 + Package

This opportunity is designed for procurement professionals who are early in their career, highly ambitious, and starting to think seriously about where they can learn fastest, progress quickest and build long-term credibility.

A well-established, purpose-driven procurement organisation is looking to appoint several Procurement Specialists to support its direct procurement activity. Procurement sits at the centre of this organisation, not on the sidelines, and the environment is built around developing talent, sharing knowledge and creating genuine career pathways.

In this role, the successful Procurement Specialist will gain hands-on exposure to end-to-end sourcing, supplier engagement and commercial decision-making across complex direct categories. They will work closely with experienced procurement leaders, category experts and stakeholders, gaining a level of exposure and responsibility that is rarely available at this stage of a procurement career.

This is NOT a role where progression is promised but rarely delivered. One individual who joined the organisation as a Procurement Specialist six years ago has since progressed into a Sourcing Director role. That trajectory is a realistic example of what's possible for someone with the right mindset and drive.

Based in Birmingham, the organisation operates a hybrid working model, offering flexibility while maintaining strong collaboration and access to senior decision-makers.

What the role offers

• Hands-on experience across end-to-end sourcing and direct procurement activity
• Exposure to complex, high-impact procurement categories
• The opportunity to learn from senior procurement professionals and leaders
• Early responsibility, visibility and structured development
• A clear pathway for progression within a procurement-first organisation

This role will suit someone who

• Has early procurement or commercial experience and wants to accelerate their career
• Ideally has exposure to public sector procurement, though this is not essential
• Is ambitious, curious and motivated to learn quickly
• Enjoys working in a structured but supportive environment
• Is looking for long-term progression rather than a short-term move

Why consider this role
This organisation has a proven track record of developing procurement talent from junior through to leadership level. Joining now means entering an environment where procurement is taken seriously, development is intentional and progression is based on capability and performance.

For ambitious Procurement Specialists looking for a genuine fast-track opportunity, this role is well worth exploring.

Confidential conversations are welcomed for those who would like to hear more.