Category Lead

Reporting to the Head of Group Procurement and Supplier Management, lead the Facilities and People procurement categories by:

• Partnering effectively with nominated senior stakeholder groups to provide effective and timely procurement support and to identify future procurement requirements for the team pipeline.
• Working in partnership with key stakeholders, develop, maintain and execute the category plans for the FM and People categories.
• Support colleagues in the selection of suitable providers for key products and services
• Maintain a full audit trail of all key procurement activities (including contractual negotiations) in line with Group and Regulatory requirements.
• Share best practice ways of working with relevant colleagues always with a view as to what can be improved.
• Monitor industry and function specific changes to ensure a consistent level of knowledge is maintained or training identified and requested to keep the role and the team fit for purpose.
• Use experience and industry knowledge to continually promote best practice across the wider business and to look for process and policy enhancements with the Head of Group Procurement and Supplier Management.
  
  Degree, Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) or currently working towards MCIPS
Skills High levels of stakeholder engagement and influencing skills. Strong procurement and category planning skills. Ability to conduct market research. Supplier management. Ability to support and challenge colleagues of all levels. Planning, managing and evaluating large scale supplier tenders. Ability to prioritise whilst managing multiple workstreams. Flexible approach to engaging with stakeholders and suppliers. Knowledge Procurement related negotiation techniques Contract and wider legislative and regulatory framework relating to procurement in financial services- i.e., developed understanding of e.g., EBA Outsourcing, data protection law (including GDPR), Bribery Act, TUPE Regulations, Employment Law, etc. Comprehensive knowledge of market and industry trends related to the allocated category. Experience Strong and successful track record of working in a similar role. Worked in a regulated industry (e.g. financial services, telecoms industry.)

We're the fourth biggest building society in the UK and what makes us a bit different is that we're a mutual organisation. We don't have shareholders; we're owned by our members. Our colleagues say Skipton's a great place to work, and you could be one of them, bringing with you new ideas on how we can keep customers at the heart of what we do. Whatever your background, and whatever your goals, we'll help you take the next step towards a better future. You will be joining the Procurement and Supplier Management Team of 14 procurement professionals as we embark on a transformation to category management and value adding supplier management. Working in partnership with diverse stakeholders across Skipton you will use your experience and skills to drive best commercial outcomes and reduce the risk from our third-party arrangements. What's In It For You? Skipton values work/life balance and we are proud to support hybrid and flexible working, where possible. We have a newly refurbished head office which offers a vibrant and collaborative working space. We have a range of other benefits available to you including;
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days standard annual leave + bank holidays + rising 1 day per year of service to a maximum of 30 days
• Holiday trading scheme allowing the ability to buy and sell additional annual leave days
• Matching employer pension contribution (up to 10% per annum)
• Colleague mortgage (conditions apply)
• Salary sacrifice scheme for hybrid & electric car
• A commitment to training and development
• Private medical insurance for all our colleagues
• 3 paid volunteering days per annum
• Diverse and inclusive colleague networks available for you to join including our Carers and Pride Alliance groups
• We care about your health and wellbeing - we provide a range of benefits that support this including cycle to work initiative and discounted gym membership