Assistant Category Manager
Full Description
About the Role:
We are seeking a motivated and relationship-driven Assistant Category Manager to join a fast-growing, global procuretech business transforming how organisations manage tail spend procurement.
This is an initial 6 month Fixed Term Contract (FTC).
This is an exciting opportunity to work within an innovative, AI-powered SaaS environment, where technology and procurement expertise come together to drive smarter sourcing, stronger compliance, and measurable value.
As a key member of the Category Team, you will play a vital role in building strong supplier partnerships, supporting strategic sourcing initiatives, and delivering cost-saving opportunities for customers across a diverse spend base.
This is an Assistant Category Manager position focusing on a diverse range of mainly Indirect spend projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support Category leadership in delivering team and business objectives
- Contribute to the development and execution of category strategies
- Manage sourcing activities, including strategic and transformational projects
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to drive performance and cost savings
- Lead sourcing initiatives to secure best-value commercial agreements
- Ensure compliance with procurement tools, processes, and best practices
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, and commercial terms while minimising risk
- Support contract management processes, ensuring value, compliance, and performance tracking
- Analyse spend data, supplier performance, and market trends to identify opportunities
- Provide procurement insight and best practice guidance to stakeholders
- Build and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
- Identify and manage sourcing and contract-related risks
- Respond to RFQs within agreed service levels
- Evaluate supplier performance across cost, quality, and delivery metrics
- Support supplier onboarding and maintain accurate supplier records
- Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business needs and deliver effective solutions
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiency
About You:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in category management, sourcing, buying, or supply chain
- Generalist Indirect spend experience
- Proven track record of delivering successful procurement outcomes
- Strong commercial acumen and analytical mindset
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Experience managing supplier or vendor relationships in a commercial environment
- Solid understanding of procurement processes, contract management, KPIs, and SLAs
- Professional qualification (e.g., CIPS Level 6) or working towards it is highly desirable
What We Offer:
- Opportunity to join a high-growth, international business
- Exposure to innovative procurement technology and global clients
- Collaborative and fast-paced working environment
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Hybrid working model
Additional Information:
- This is a hybrid role requiring two to three days per week in the London Waterloo office (more during onboarding if required)
- You will be expected to adhere to data protection and information security policies
- We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace
- Responsibilities may evolve as the business continues to grow
The Procurement Hive is a procurement consultancy and procurement recruitment business.
Transform your talent – Our recruitment services span over four decades of combined experience, recruiting supply chain and procurement talent for a wide range of organisations across the globe.
The Procurement Hive celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.