Procurement Category Analyst

JOB SUMMARY

The Procurement Category Analyst supports broad category management and supports ongoing contracting activities within the Procurement & Vendor Management function. The Analyst partners closely with Category Managers and the wider business delivering data-driven insights category performance analysis and reporting to optimize third-party vendor spend contract utilization and sourcing outcomes. This role applies structured data analysis reporting and category intelligence to inform vendor strategy sourcing decisions contract negotiations and compliance monitoring. The Analyst partners closely with the Contracts Manager to support contract lifecycle management activities vendor performance tracking sourcing initiatives and system-enabled procurement processes. This position operates independently within organizational frameworks and contributes analytical expertise insights and structured recommendations that enhance procurement efficiency cost optimization risk mitigation and stakeholder alignment.

The role may be based in eligible jurisdictions in the UK and reports to the Contracts Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Category Management & Spend Analytics

• Analyze vendor spend data to identify trends cost drivers consolidation opportunities and risk exposures.
• Support development and execution of category plans aligned with organizational sourcing and procurement strategy.
• Monitor category performance metrics and provide regular dashboards to the Contracts Manager and leadership.
• Conduct horizon scanning to identify market developments pricing trends and emerging supplier risks.
• Contribute analytical input to sourcing events RFP evaluations and vendor selection processes.
  

Insights Reporting & Data Exploration

• Independently collate cleanse analyze and interpret procurement and contract data using established tools and methodologies.
• Develop standardized and ad hoc reports related to contract utilization renewal timelines compliance and vendor performance.
• Create visual dashboards and executive-ready summaries that translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Support forecasting benchmarking and cost modeling efforts to inform negotiations and strategic sourcing decisions.
• Maintain data integrity within procurement systems and reporting databases.
  

Contract Lifecycle & Vendor Support

• Provide analytical support for contract negotiations by preparing financial summaries usage analyses and benchmarking insights.
• Track contract milestones renewal dates and performance metrics in partnership with the Contracts Manager.
• Assist in monitoring vendor compliance service levels and contractual obligations.
• Support outsourced contract management activities with data reporting and performance tracking.
• Respond to stakeholder inquiries regarding procurement processes contract status and vendor data.
  

Process Optimization & Systems Support

• Identify process inefficiencies and recommend workflow improvements within the S2P lifecycle.
• Support contract management system reporting and data governance.
• Assist in documentation of procurement procedures policies and analytics standards.
• Contribute to development of dashboards KPI frameworks and compliance reporting structures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in Business Finance Supply Chain Economics Data Analytics or related field.
• 13 years of experience in procurement sourcing category management finance data analytics or contract operations.
• Experience working with procurement or contract management systems preferred.
• Experience supporting vendor negotiations or sourcing initiatives is advantageous.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency including:
  • Pivot tables
  • Complex formulas (INDEX/MATCH or XLOOKUP nested IF SUMIFS)
  • Data cleansing and transformation
  • Basic financial modeling
    

Must have strong working understanding of:

• Data analysis and interpretation
• Trend analysis and variance analysis
• KPI and dashboard reporting
• Data validation and integrity controls
• Translation of raw procurement data into visual executive summaries
• Automation of recurring reporting where possible
• Total cost of ownership (TCO) concepts
• Budget tracking and variance reporting
• Basic cost modeling
• Service agreements vs. goods contracts structures
• Pricing models (fixed fee time & materials subscription milestone-based)
  

Required working knowledge of at least one of the following:

• Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems
• Procure-to-Pay (P2P) or Source-to-Pay (S2P) platforms
• ERP systems (e.g. SAP Oracle Workday Financials Coupa Ariba)
• Vendor management systems

• Contract metadata fields
• Renewal tracking
• Supplier performance reporting
• Spend categorization
  

Required experience creating reports or dashboards using:

• Power BI Tableau or equivalent BI tool
• OR advanced Excel reporting models

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Energy to put in the hours of concentrated work necessary to achieve goals while maintaining a positive attitude

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional travel to CFA Institute meetings or conferences possible

LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

• Strategic Connects ideas resources and processes with an outside-in perspective to define winning solutions; employs a broad global perspective and digital mindset to disrupt and transform
• Courageous -- Actively listens asks questions develops an independent conclusion and is willing to challenge the popular view for the betterment of the organization
• Authentic -- Reflects ones true self in all situations; clearly says what they mean and does what they say they will do
• Talent magnet -- Understands a candidate/employees capabilities and matches those to the appropriate role/assignment; seeks out diversity of thought and experience; invests in development; mentors and coaches for success; builds and rewards high functioning teams
• Growth mindset -- Learns and grows through experimentation and failure; embraces challenges with persistence and resilience; demonstrates a willingness to risk failure and sees it as a key learning opportunity
• Accountable -- Understands role and takes full ownership of their own their teams and the organizations success or failure; achieves efficient timely quality results through the effective leadership of others
• Agile Navigates complexity challenges and ambiguity with confidence; creates an environment of learning to drive optimal outcomes; employs a continuous improvement mindset; encourages rapid flexible response to change

About CFA Institute

CFA Institute are the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200000 charterholders across 160 markets we drive professional growth ethical behavior and better markets. We care about our employees well-being offering industry-leading benefits like:

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family

• Generous leave and time off

• Competitive retirement plans

• Flexible work options

• Wellness education and support programs

If you feel this opportunity could be the next step in your career we encourage you to click Apply and complete our three-minute application.

Be part of a team committed to putting investors first and growing economies. Follow us @CFAInstitute on LinkedIn and X.

Important Message: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements as CFA Institute cannot make assumptions about your education experience or location. We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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