Procurement Category Lead

Due to the continued growth of our Procurement function, we’re looking for an experienced Procurement Category Lead to join the Ayvens team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in delivering our UK procurement strategy, leading sourcing activity across key spend categories and helping to shape the future of procurement within Ayvens. Working closely with business stakeholders, suppliers and Group Procurement colleagues, you’ll drive commercial value, support operational excellence and ensure best practice is embedded across the organisation.

As a trusted procurement partner, you'll take ownership of category strategies from initial sourcing through to contract management and supplier performance, ensuring the business achieves the right balance of cost, quality, service and risk management.

Procurement Category Lead responsibilities...

• Developing and delivering sourcing strategies across assigned procurement categories
• Managing category pipelines, contract renewals and supplier consolidation activities to maximise value and efficiency
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and provide strategic procurement support
• Leading sourcing and contract negotiations to achieve commercial and operational benefits
• Supporting the ongoing integration and development of procurement processes, policies and governance frameworks
• Working collaboratively with Group Procurement teams to support planning, forecasting and broader business objectives
• Monitoring market trends, supplier developments and industry best practice to identify opportunities and mitigate risks
• Using spend analysis and management information to provide insight, support decision-making and strengthen procurement controls
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing, contract management and supplier performance
• Ensuring all procurement activity is delivered in line with regulatory, governance and compliance requirements

Procurement Category Lead Skills & Experience...

• Proven experience in procurement, category management or supply chain management
• Experience managing sourcing projects, supplier relationships and commercial contracts
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills
• Commercially minded with experience managing complex or high-value spend categories
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insight into action
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results
• A proactive, self-motivated approach with a passion for continuous improvement
• Strong communication skills and the ability to produce clear business cases, reports and proposals
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience working within a regulated environment and knowledge of the automotive, leasing or wider operational supply chain sector is highly advantageous.

What we offer

Rewards & Financial Benefits

Salary: £40,000–£50,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience, Competitive pension scheme, Annual salary review and bonus scheme, Give As You Earn (GAYE) scheme, Employee referral scheme (£1,000), Retail discounts programme, GymFlex membership options, Cycle to Work scheme.

Health & Wellbeing

Life Assurance, Health assessment options, Travel insurance, Dental insurance, Critical illness cover, Personal accident insurance.

Time Off & Work–Life Balance

25 days’ annual leave + an additional Celebration Day, 37.5 hour week, Monday to Friday, no weekends, Holiday buy & sell scheme, Volunteer days , Time allocated for personal development, Study support (where applicable).

Workplace & On Site Facilities

Free parking (limited), EV charging points, Bike storage & shower facilities, Complimentary breakfast, Staff and social events

Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for an opportunity unless they exactly meet the criteria specified. At Ayvens we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, enjoyable and authentic workplace so if you are excited by this, or any role at Ayvens but your experience doesn’t exactly align, we would encourage you to apply regardless! What’s the worst that can happen?!