Cornerstone
Procurement Category Manager
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Our Vision
Continue to be the leading UK mobile infrastructure services company.
Our Mission
To be famous for excellence in delivery, embracing transformation with our people and our customers at its heart.
We are at an exciting time in our company’s development. We've come a long way since we were first formed in 2012. From the rollout of new technologies and managing complex legislation affecting the industry, we are leading the conversation on innovation and developing sharper solutions to serve our customers better. We collaborate as a team to meet the high standards expected of us and demand the best of ourselves through our values.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
This role operates across a portfolio of strategic and complex procurement categories, including both direct and indirect categories of spend, large-scale outsourcing agreements, and joint ventures. It is responsible for negotiating both new and renewal contracts, developing and implementing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring that all procurement activities from sourcing through to contract handover are carried out in accordance with Cornerstone’s governance and commercial frameworks.
The role also contributes to the development of negotiation strategies, supports capability building within the procurement team, and ensures that best practices are embedded across the organisation.
Delivery
- Implement sourcing process and strategies for goods or services, utilising commercial purpose-built contract models and templates in adherence to business policies and procedures.
- Lead negotiations for new and renewal commercial agreements, ensuring alignment with service, quality, value, and risk expectations.
- Develop and implement robust negotiation plans in collaboration with business stakeholders, operational and commercial teams.
- Ensure scopes of work are properly formed and developed with fair allocation of risk.
- Apply advanced negotiation techniques and procurement best practices across all engagement.
- Manage end-to-end procurement processes, from sourcing through to contract execution and handover to contract management.
- Establish collaborative ways of working with all relevant stakeholders for the successful transition of sourcing led execution to strategic supplier management.
- Ensure all procurement activities are conducted diligently, transparently, and in line with delegated authority and compliance standards.
- Challenge demand and aggregation of requirements of stakeholders to maximise overall value, whilst aligning to stakeholders’ objectives and priorities.
- Support supplier performance and commercial relationship management in collaboration with functional stakeholders.
- Ensure commercial systems and databases are maintained in a timely fashion.
- Support and implement innovative initiatives to deliver sourcing led competitive advantage.
- Provide regular procurement based reporting to Head of Procurement and Senior leadership in support of company strategy and aims.
- Conduct regular competitor and supplier market watch assessments in the delivery of the optimal total cost of ownership.
- Contribute to the development of the sourcing and commercial team to maximise value for the organisation by supporting and providing guidance to peers and fostering inter departmental teamwork.
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Role Expertise
To succeed in this role, the postholder must demonstrate deep expertise in commercial negotiation and procurement process management. They must be confident leading high-stakes negotiations, managing complex supplier relationships, and influencing internal stakeholders at all levels.
The role requires a strategic mindset, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to adapt negotiation styles to suit different contexts. A commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing is essential, as is the ability to embed best practices across the procurement function.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
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- 5-10 years proven experience leading complex commercial negotiations, including outsourcing and joint venture agreements.
- Experienced in managing procurement processes from sourcing through to contract handover.
- Experienced in working across multiple categories and with cross-functional teams.
- Track record of coaching or mentoring stakeholders in negotiation or procurement practices.
- Experience within the telecoms, construction, FM or utilities services sector is desirable but not essential.
Skills & Knowledge
- Advanced negotiation planning and execution skills.
- Strong understanding of total cost of ownership and value-based procurement.
- Ability to manage procurement governance and compliance.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Strong organisational and process management capabilities.
- Knowledge of contract law and supplier risk management.
- Experienced with cross-functional collaborative working methods.
What we offer
- Competitive salary and an excellent bonus structure.
- 30 days holiday.
- Electric Car Scheme.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Hybrid working.
- Life insurance.
- Cycle to Work.
- Retail Discounts.
- Competitive refer a friend scheme.
- Private Healthcare Insurance.
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is fundamental to our success. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered. By embracing unique perspectives and experiences, we drive innovation and drive our organisation forward, therefore, we recognise the importance of welcoming applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
We want to ensure everyone is able to present their best self throughout the recruitment process so if you require any adjustments, please let us know.
If this role is of interest to you and you would like to find out more, please do apply with an up-to-date version of your CV.
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