We’re looking for a proactive and knowledgeable Category Lead/ Manager to join our Procurement team on a fixed term basis.
If you’re a dedicated professional who wants to make a real difference in a short space of time, you’ll be a perfect fit for our team. We’re entering a period of change and ambition as we transform the way we procure goods and services.
Now is the ideal time to join us – come and be part of something new.
Who Are We?
Not just another building society. Not just another job.
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.
What Will You Be Doing?
Reporting directly to the Head of Group Procurement, you’ll work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders across Skipton to help shape strategic decisions and deliver the best commercial outcomes. Leveraging your expertise, you’ll play a key role in optimising third-party relationships, driving value and minimising risk.
Your accountabilities will be varied, including (but not limited to);
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, to develop, maintain and execute the category plans for your dedicated business area(s).
Supporting colleagues in the selection of suitable providers for key products and services.
Maintaining a full audit trail of all key procurement activities (including contractual negotiations) in line with Group and Regulatory requirements.
Sharing best practice ways of working with relevant colleagues always with a view as to what can be improved.
Monitoring 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.
What Do We Need From You?
To be successful in this role you’ll need:
A strong and successful track record of working in a similar role.
Strong procurement and category planning skills.
Experience of working in a regulated industry. Financial services experience would be beneficial but not essential.
MCIPS qualification or currently working towards.
Knowledge of contract and wider legislative and regulatory framework relating to procurement in financial services (preferred)
Strong experience of procurement related negotiation techniques.
Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
An ability to prioritise whilst managing multiple workstreams.
Proficiency in planning, managing and evaluating large scale supplier tenders.
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 (subject to eligibility) including;
Annual discretionary bonus scheme
25 days (pro-rata) standard annual leave + bank holidays
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
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What We Do
Not just another building society. Not just another job.
Imagine how good it would feel to help someone choose the mortgage they’ll use to buy their first home. Or the account they’ll use to save for it. We’ve been helping people make big financial decisions since 1853. It’s why over a million customers trust us as a good place for their money, and why our colleagues say we’re a good place to work.
The Bailey (our head office)
The Bailey is the vibrant hub where you’ll find all our central functions. We’re always looking for new talent because we love hearing new ideas. You can choose from a variety of roles that range from marketing and IT, through to audit, risk, products, digital and more – or maybe you’ll join our lively contact centre team. We’re based in Skipton, just a short train ride from Bradford and Leeds, we’re a stone’s throw from the A65 and have some cracking views of the Yorkshire Dales.
Our network of UK branches
Our branch colleagues are the face of Skipton Building Society. They’re relationship-builders, team workers, great talkers and they’re brilliant at listening too. Everything they do is designed to help customers make the best financial decisions, whether that’s choosing the right kind of savings account or having a full financial review.
The Skipton culture
Happy colleagues mean happy customers. So, when we recruit, we don’t just think about what’s in it for us, we think about what’s in it for you. It’s one of the reasons we’ve been recognised as one of The Times Best Companies to Work for the last 6 years.
Mind, body and spirit
With our colleagues’ support, we’ve created a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion. We understand the rich diversity in our Society, and how harnessing that diversity through effective inclusive practice has profound benefits for individuals, teams and the Society it self. This includes a progressive approach to personal well-being.
