Commercial Expert / Category Manager - Contingent Workforce

Chain IQ Group; City of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement firm in the UK is looking for a Category Manager to enhance procurement efforts for contingent workforce across Europe. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in staffing management, exceptional analytical skills, and familiarity with VMS platforms. This role offers an opportunity to work collaboratively within a dynamic team to optimize sourcing strategies and drive commercial excellence.

Benefits

Dynamic and international work environment

Certification as Great Place to Work

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in contingent workforce procurement or staffing supplier management.
• Strong knowledge of UK and European staffing markets and compliance factors.
• Proven track record in managing sourcing initiatives and influencing stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives for contingent workforce and temporary staffing categories.
• Serve as a trusted commercial advisor to clients.
• Drive commercial excellence in deals involving MSPs and VMS platforms.

Skills

Analytical skills

Client-focused

Negotiation skills

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Education

University degree or equivalent

Tools

VMS platforms (e.g., Fieldglass, Beeline, VNDLY)

Job description

Location: London, GB

About the Role

Chain IQ is seeking a commercially savvy and data‑driven Category Manager to lead procurement efforts for Contingent Workforce across the UK and European markets. You will be part of a collaborative, fast‑paced team that supports our clients through the full sourcing lifecycle—from strategy and market analysis to negotiation and contract execution.

This role is ideal for candidates with a strong understanding of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Vendor Management Systems (VMS), and the professional staffing industry, who are passionate about delivering best‑in‑class commercial outcomes. Whether you come from a leading MSP or have managed the contingent workforce category in‑house, you’ll thrive here if you’re analytically sharp, client‑focused, and keen to optimise total cost of workforce ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing initiatives for contingent workforce and temporary staffing categories.
• Serve as a trusted commercial advisor to clients, guiding them on market trends, rate benchmarks, supplier strategies, and compliance considerations.
• Drive commercial excellence in deals involving MSPs and VMS platforms (e.g., Fieldglass, Beeline, VNDLY).
• Analyse large datasets to identify cost‑saving opportunities and improve supplier performance.
• Run market tenders, evaluate bids with cross‑functional teams, and negotiate competitive commercial terms.
• Draft and structure contracts aligned with client needs, with limited legal support.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Contribute to sourcing strategy and category planning through market intelligence.
• Mentor junior team members where applicable and support knowledge‑sharing across teams.

What We’re Looking For

• University degree or equivalent.
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in contingent workforce procurement, staffing supplier management, or working within an MSP/VMS environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK and European staffing markets, commercial models, and compliance factors (e.g., co‑employment, IR35, mark‑up structures).
• Hands‑on experience with VMS platforms (e.g., Fieldglass, Beeline, VNDLY).
• Proven track record in managing sourcing initiatives, negotiating contracts, and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in fast‑paced, multi‑client environments.

Join a truly global team.

We offer a dynamic and international environment where high performance meets real purpose. We're proud to be Great Place to Work‑certified and even prouder of the people who make that possible. Let’s shape the future of procurement - together.

Chain IQ – Create. Lead. Make an impact.

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