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Reference: 4804411Job ID: 5398599Posted: 2026-07-20Closing date: 2026-10-18Location: HertfordshireSalary: C45-50,000 (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Pharmaceuticals / ProcurementCompany: HaysConsultant: William WarrenHays office: Cambridge — Office 203, Mantle, 9 Hills RoadPhone: 01223 304960Email: ##### new companyAn exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Procurement Manager / Category Manager to join a leading commercial organisation undergoing continued growth and transformation. Based in Hertfordshire with hybrid working, this role offers the opportunity to lead strategic procurement activity, manage key supplier relationships, and deliver commercial value across a portfolio of indirect spend categories.This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional who enjoys influencing stakeholders, driving innovation, and developing category strategies that support long-term business objectives.Your new roleAs Procurement Manager, you will take ownership of a portfolio of indirect spend categories, managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle from strategy development through to supplier management and contract delivery. Key responsibilities include:Developing and implementing category strategies aligned to business objectivesThe role will focus primarily on indirect categories, with experience across HR, professional services, workforce solutions, travel, marketing, or corporate services highly advantageous.Leading strategic sourcing activities, supplier selection, and tender exercisesManaging RFPs and supplier evaluations using balanced scorecard methodologiesBuilding robust business cases and procurement recommendations for stakeholder approvalNegotiating and managing contracts to deliver value, minimise risk, and ensure strong commercial outcomesManaging supplier relationships and driving continuous improvements in service, quality, cost, sustainability, and innovationWorking closely with stakeholders to understand requirements and influence procurement decisionsSupporting compliance, governance, and procurement best practice across the organisationAnalysing spend, market trends, and supplier performance to identify value creation opportunitiesWhat you'll need to succeedTo be successful in this role, you will have:Proven experience as a Procurement Manager, Category Manager, Strategic Buyer, or Senior Procurement SpecialistStrong category management, sourcing, and contract negotiation experienceExperience managing indirect spend categories, ideally including HR, travel, professional services, or corporate servicesGood understanding of IR35 requirements and associated supplier engagement considerationsExperience using ERP systems, ideally Oracle or similar platformsStrong commercial, analytical, and problem-solving skillsExcellent stakeholder engagement and influencing capabilitiesAbility to develop strategic supplier partnerships and deliver measurable valueProfessional, collaborative, and results-oriented approachCIPS qualification or progress towards MCIPS would be advantageousWhat you'll get in returnCompetitive salary and benefits packageHybrid working with 2–3 days per week in the Hertfordshire officeOpportunity to lead strategic procurement and category management initiativesExposure to senior stakeholders and business-critical projectsSupportive and collaborative cultureExcellent opportunities for career development and progressionApply nowIf you're an ambitious Procurement Manager or Category Manager looking to take ownership of strategic spend categories and drive commercial value within a large, complex organisation, we'd love to hear from you. #4804411 - William Warren