Strategic Category Lead: Sourcing & Value Creation

Markerstudy Group

Manchester

Hybrid

GBP 65,000 - 90,000

Full time

4 days ago

Be an early applicant

A complete application in a minute

Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

Markerstudy Group is seeking a commercially minded Category Lead to develop and deliver sourcing strategies across diverse spend areas. You will drive value through strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and contract optimisation while championing ESG commitments.

As a senior procurement leader, you will influence key business decisions, mentor colleagues, and ensure category strategies align with objectives, delivering sustainable improvements across the function.

Qualifications

Demonstrable experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement across a broad range of spend categories.
Strong commercial acumen with a proven track record of delivering measurable savings, value creation, and risk mitigation.
Excellent negotiation, supplier relationship management, and contract management skills.
Experience developing and delivering category strategies aligned to organisational objectives.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
Experience using procurement and ERP systems such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, Oracle, or similar platforms.
Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
Results-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, or related discipline.
Professional procurement qualifications such as CIPS, MCIPS, CPSM, or equivalent are desirable.
Experience operating within complex, regulated, or matrix organisations would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end procurement lifecycle across multiple spend categories, managing significant annual expenditure.
Develop and implement category strategies that optimise cost, quality, service, innovation, and risk management.
Identify and deliver opportunities for cost savings, value creation, and process improvements across the supply base.
Lead sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and contract renewals to secure the best commercial outcomes.
Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on procurement and category-related matters.
Manage supplier performance through robust governance, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Negotiate and manage contracts and service level agreements, ensuring compliance and value delivery.
Drive procurement best practices, governance, and policy adherence across the business.
Analyse market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to inform category strategies and business decisions.
Support the adoption and optimisation of procurement systems, processes, and tools.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and ESG commitments.
Mentor and support team members where appropriate, contributing to the development of procurement capability across the function.