Assistant Category / Procurement Manager

Assistant Category / Procurement Manager – IT, Digital & Professional Services - Permanent

Theale / Hybrid - 3 days/week in office

We’re looking for an Assistant Category Manager to join the Procurement team, supporting sourcing, supplier management, contracting and procurement governance across IT, Digital and Professional Services / Enabling Functions.

This is a great opportunity for someone with procurement, purchasing, supplier management or commercial support experience who is looking to develop their category management and sourcing expertise in a complex, fast-paced environment.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting end-to-end Source-to-Contract activity, from requirements through to award

• Supporting and, where appropriate, running RFIs, RFQs and RFPs

• Assisting with supplier engagement, evaluation, negotiations and recommendation papers

• Supporting supplier onboarding and due diligence, including information security, ESG, HSQE and business continuity requirements

• Managing contract renewal activity, ensuring key dates, risks and actions are clearly tracked

• Supporting commercial negotiations through pricing analysis, supplier comparisons and contract summaries

• Assisting with Statements of Work, order forms and contract approval documentation

• Producing spend analysis, procurement reporting, benefit tracking and supplier performance information

• Maintaining accurate procurement records, documentation, audit trails and governance

• Building strong relationships with stakeholders across IT, Digital, HR, Finance, Legal, Risk and Compliance

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in procurement, purchasing, supplier management, contract administration or commercial support

• Experience supporting sourcing activity, tenders, supplier engagement or contract renewals

• Strong attention to detail and a structured, methodical approach

• Good commercial awareness and confidence working with pricing and supplier data

• Strong Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and stakeholders

• Exposure to IT, Digital, Professional Services or indirect procurement would be advantageous

• CIPS qualified or working towards CIPS would be desirable

This is a hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys working across procurement, suppliers, commercial activity and stakeholders, and wants to build their career within category management.