Kennedys
Procurement Category Manager

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Kennedys' Procurement Function
Kennedys' Procurement function sits within the wider Finance team and supports the firm globally through the delivery of strategic sourcing solutions, supplier management, commercial insight and procurement governance. The team plays a key role in driving value, managing risk and supporting informed business decision-making across the firm.
Working in partnership with stakeholders across practice groups and business services, Procurement leads sourcing activity, contract negotiations, supplier due diligence and category management initiatives that support the firm's operational and strategic objectives. The team is also responsible for developing procurement policies, improving supplier performance, embedding sustainable procurement practices and delivering value across the firm's global supply chain.
Kennedys operates across the UK, EMEA, LATAM, APAC and the US, and this role will play a key part in developing and delivering procurement strategies, managing key supplier relationships and supporting commercial activity across the firm's international network.
Key Responsibilities
- Acting as a specialist in IT and Technology provide expert advice to all stakeholders throughout the procurement lifecycle to achieve fit for purpose, sustainable, diverse and innovative sourcing solutions.
- Lead the Procurement strategy for Technology, Information Technology and AI categories with a focus on value and innovation to support the Firm's objectives and growth.
- Provide expert advice to all stakeholders throughout the procurement lifecycle to achieve fit for purpose, sustainable, diverse and innovative sourcing solutions. This will include analysis, market research, identification and qualification of suppliers, preparation of tender documentation, management of sourcing processes, analysing supplier responses, project management and stakeholder management.
- Influence, develop and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders; internal customers, such as Team Leaders, Divisional Heads, Directors and Local Managing Partners and external supply partners/providers.
- Support the development of the Global Procurement Strategy and Policies across the firm which build on our vision and goals.
- The Category Manager will be expected to support the Head of Procurement in establishing and strengthening the Procurement function within Kennedys. This will involve the creation and communication of governance.
- Lead the supplier engagement programme to embed sustainable procurement within our supply chain, ensure adherence to our Supplier Code of Conduct and implement steps to reduce the carbon emissions from our purchased goods and services.
- Manage the continuous improvement of the firm's procurement processes and reporting, to track spend and supplier performance, fulfil ESG reporting requirements and provide effective commercial insight by identifying areas of risk to be addressed.
- Develop and deliver appropriate procurement and contract management training across the firm.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
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StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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Required Experience


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Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- IT and Technology procurement experience, with exposure to strategic spend categories.
- Proven ability to develop and deliver long-term category and sourcing strategies.
- Experience managing high-value procurement projects, including supplier negotiations and contract management.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and drive commercial outcomes.
Please let us know if you require any additional support or adjustments to be made in order to submit your application to Kennedys.
where a level of experience is indicated, this is a guideline only and represents the amount of time we would usually expect a candidate to accumulate the requisite level of experience. This does not preclude applications from candidates with more or less experience.
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