Category Manager

Category Manager – STEM (Professional Services)

Location: London (Hybrid – 2/3 days onsite per week)

Contract Length: 3 Months

Rate: £550 p/d Via Umbrella

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager – Professional Services to join a busy commercial and procurement team on an initial 3-month contract. This role will be responsible for developing and delivering category strategies across a broad Professional Services portfolio, managing complex procurement activities, and driving value through effective supplier and stakeholder engagement.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in procurement and commercial management, with experience leading sourcing projects, negotiating contracts, and delivering measurable commercial outcomes within a complex organisational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead procurement and commercial activities across the Professional Services category, including consultancy, legal, audit, HR, recruitment, IT services, and other corporate services.
• Develop and implement category strategies that align with organisational objectives and procurement best practice.
• Manage end-to-end sourcing activities, including market engagement, tender processes, evaluation, negotiation, and contract award.
• Deliver commercial value through effective cost management, supplier negotiations, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide commercial and procurement advice to senior stakeholders across the business.
• Manage supplier relationships and implement Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities where appropriate.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure contractual obligations are met.
• Support governance, compliance, and procurement policy requirements across all procurement activities.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, innovation, and efficiencies within the category.
• Produce category insights, market intelligence, and commercial recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
• Drive procurement best practice and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Experience

• Extensive procurement and category management experience within Professional Services.
• Proven track record of delivering complex sourcing and procurement projects.
• Experience managing high-value contracts and commercial negotiations.
• Strong understanding of procurement governance, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
• Experience working within large, complex organisations.
• Ability to engage, influence, and advise senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience delivering commercial savings, efficiencies, and value-for-money outcomes.
• Experience operating within regulated or public-sector environments would be advantageous.

Key Skills

• Strong commercial acumen.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Advanced negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong planning, organisation, and project management skills.
• Collaborative and proactive approach to delivering outcomes.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified or equivalent relevant experience.
• MCIPS qualified or working towards qualification is desirable.
• Evidence of continued professional development within procurement, commercial management, or category management.