The precursor of a hydroprocessing catalyst is made by impregnating a metal oxide component comprising at least one metal from Group 6 of the Periodic Table and at least one metal from Groups 8-10 of the Periodic Table with an amide formed from a first organic compound containing at least one amine group, and a second organic compound containing at least one carboxylic acid group. Following impregnation heat treatment follows to form in situ generated unsaturation additional to that in the two organic compounds. The catalyst precursor is sulfided to form an active, sulfide hydroprocessing catalyst.