Location: Basingstoke (hybrid working 3 office days per week) as well as offsite supplier visits & travel to other AA sites, We're looking for an experienced Procurement Category Manager to join us on an initial 6-month fixed term contract and make an immediate impact within a high-profile procurement portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys partnering with senior stakeholders and has a proven track record of delivering sourcing, contracting and supplier management outcomes. You'll play a key role in managing strategic procurement activity across a complex spend area while supporting business priorities and driving measurable value. This is an opportunity to join a well-established procurement function and take ownership of meaningful commercial activity from day one. We're looking for someone who can quickly build credibility, work autonomously and deliver results in a collaborative environment.
Responsibilities
* Leading end-to-end procurement activity, from opportunity identification and RFP management through to contract negotiation and supplier onboarding.
* Developing and delivering category and sourcing strategies that support business objectives, commercial performance and operational requirements.
* Managing supplier relationships and performance, ensuring suppliers deliver against agreed contractual, service and commercial commitments.
* Identifying and delivering cost optimisation, efficiency and value creation opportunities across third party spend.
* Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the business, providing commercial insight, market intelligence and procurement expertise.
* Supporting risk management, governance and compliance activities while helping to drive continuous improvement across procurement processes.
Qualifications
* Significant procurement experience with strong end-to-end sourcing and category management expertise.
* Proven experience leading competitive tendering exercises, RFPs, supplier selection processes and contract negotiations.
* Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage spend, challenge requirements and deliver measurable business value.
* Experience building effective relationships with suppliers and stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership teams.
* Excellent supplier management and contract management capability, with a focus on performance, risk and continuous improvement.
* Experience within automotive, fleet, logistics or service-based environments would be highly beneficial, although we welcome applications from top-performing procurement professionals from other sectors.
Benefits
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
* Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
* Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
* Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
* Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
* Company funded life assurance
* Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
* Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family
Plus, so much more!
We're an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.
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