Strategic Sourcing Category Manager

Hays Procurement is proud to be working in partnership with the University of Cambridge who are looking to appoint a Strategic Sourcing Category Manager in an exciting new role for the organisation.

The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest and most successful Universities, with an outstanding reputation for academic achievement and research.  Capitalising on its exemption under Public Contract Regulations 2015, the University has truly ambitious plans for the Procurement function.  Procurement and purchasing at the University of Cambridge has recently embarked upon transformational change through a three to five year programme of activity - the Strategic Procurement and Purchasing Programme.  This will focus on how the University, its associated bodies and stakeholders can better buy and pay for its goods, works and services in the most sustainable manner possible. 

The University Group Procurement Services team has four objectives as it manages in excess of £500m of addressable spend each year.  These are: Leverage University expenditure, Enhance devolved practice, Develop professional talent and Manage supply risk and this role contributes to objectives 1, 2, and 4.  The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager develops and delivers agreed University-wide category and commodity strategies which align with the University’s Procurement Strategy’s objectives and aspirations.

The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager will take ownership of the category vision and strategy and develop and maintain robust subject-matter expertise in the relevant category, including a global and national understanding of category markets, influences and risks.  The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager will drive buying and commercial solutions to deliver strategic drivers for the category; delivering a set of suppliers to satisfy University needs; support departments by managing major tenders; and advising internal stakeholders on strategic commodity management.

With responsibility for developing the supply market in support of the University’s interests, and strategically managing relationships with key suppliers, this role will ensure that Strategic Sourcing activities within the category are aligned with the University’s Sustainability Strategy.  This role will also initiate, plan and deliver continuous improvement initiatives across the category, driving innovative new ways of working to ensure an excellent level of service.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate experience of personal contribution in a complex procurement environment, including responsibility for tendering and supply chain management.  With experience in both public and private sector procurement preferred, experience of implementing a category management approach and strong commercial contract relationship management experience is essential.

Comprehensive, demonstrable knowledge of modern Procurement techniques is required.  The ability to work within an environment where ambiguity, change and changing priorities are constant is a pre-requisite to succeed in this role.  Strong interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills, including the ability to engage productively with non-procurement specialists are essential.  A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) is preferred with CIPS level 4+ with Ethics module beneficial.

This is an exciting time to join the University of Cambridge and if you feel you have the drive and the passion to help them to achieve their objectives, then they can offer you a role that is not only hugely satisfying but brings great benefits and a stimulating and supportive working environment.  In return, The University of Cambridge are offering a competitive salary, excellent benefits such as 41 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme and the opportunity to be office-based for 2 days per week.  

For more information about the role and organisation please visit: https://webmicrosites.hays.co.uk/web/university-of-cambridge/ or for an informal discussion please contact William Warren, Senior Business Director at Hays Procurement who is the retained consultant working in partnership with the University of Cambridge.  All third party & direct applicants will be forwarded directly to Hays Procurement to be screened as part of the recruitment process.