Procurement Category Specialist (12-month FTC)

The role:

The Procurement Software Sourcing Specialist plays a key role in delivering the Technology category sourcing strategy at SJP. Reporting to the Category Manager, this is a hands‑on, operational role where you'll manage the end‑to‑end procurement process for software and technology suppliers - from identifying sourcing opportunities through to negotiation and supplier contract management.

This is an excellent 12-month FTC opportunity for someone with experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or vendor management who wants to deepen their exposure to a technology-driven category. You'll work closely with stakeholders across IT, Finance, Legal, and Software Asset Management to ensure procurement activity delivers commercial value, supports governance standards, and aligns with wider business objectives.

What you'll be doing:

• Support the development and delivery of sourcing and negotiation strategies across the Technology category.
• Contribute to Category Plans alongside the Category Manager, taking ownership of implementing procurement strategies within your assigned software areas.
• Identify cost savings and value‑creation opportunities through robust spend analysis, market insight, and supplier benchmarking.
• Support RFx activity (including eAuctions), supplier evaluations, and commercial negotiations.
• Support and develop supplier relationships, monitoring performance against agreed SLAs and KPIs.
• Manage contract negotiations, renewals, and licensing agreements in partnership with the Category Manager and Legal team.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand current software usage, future needs, and demand patterns.
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with internal policies and external regulations, including data privacy and security requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of sourcing activity, contracts, savings, and performance metrics.
• Partner with the Software Asset Management team to analyse licence usage and leverage data to strengthen negotiation strategies.

Essential Criteria

• Experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or vendor management.
• Exposure to vendor risk management processes.
• Proven ability to plan and lead negotiations that deliver measurable commercial value.
• Familiarity with procurement tools and systems.
• An understanding of Category Management principles and how to execute category plans.
• Strong analytical, evaluation, and research skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Clear, confident communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience within Software or IT procurement, including knowledge of licensing models such as SaaS, subscription, and perpetual licences.
• CIPS or another relevant procurement qualification