Procurement Category Lead

At Ayvens, progress starts with you. Join our procurement team as a Procurement Category Lead to deliver our UK procurement strategy, lead sourcing activities across key spend categories, and help shape the future of procurement within Ayvens.

• Develop and deliver sourcing strategies across assigned procurement categories.
• Manage category pipelines, contract renewals and supplier consolidation activities to maximise value and efficiency.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and provide strategic procurement support.
• Lead sourcing and contract negotiations to achieve commercial and operational benefits.
• Support the ongoing integration and development of procurement processes, policies and governance frameworks.
• Collaborate with Group Procurement teams to support planning, forecasting and broader business objectives.
• Monitor market trends, supplier developments and industry best practice to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Use spend analysis and management information to provide insight, support decision‑making and strengthen procurement controls.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing, contract management and supplier performance.
• Ensure all procurement activity is delivered in line with regulatory, governance and compliance requirements.

• 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 broader operational supply chain sector is highly advantageous.

• £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.
• Gym Flex membership options.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

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

• 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).

• 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!