Smiths Group plc - Global Category Manager - HR & Professional Services

Smiths Group plc – Global Category Manager, HR & Professional Services

Location: Birmingham, UK

Company: Smiths Group plc

Hybrid Working | FTSE 100 Company

About Smiths Group plc

Smiths Group is a global leader in industrial technology and a constituent of the FTSE 100. We design, manufacture, and deliver high-quality, mission-critical products and services across key sectors including energy, defence, aerospace, security, and medical technology. With 14,000+ employees worldwide and a proud history of innovation spanning 170+ years, we are united by our purpose: improving our world through smarter engineering.

Our operations span four core divisions:

John Crane | Smiths Detection | Smiths Interconnect | Flex-Tek

We are currently seeking a strategic and commercially focused Global Category Manager – HR & Professional Services to join our Group Procurement team. This is a high-impact role based in Birmingham, supporting a global footprint across over 50 countries.

The Role

As Global Category Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of global category strategies for key HR and professional service areas including:

• Recruitment & Temp Services
• Training & Development
• HSE Services
• Rewards & Benefits
• HR Systems & Payroll
• Marketing
• Travel & Expense
• Professional Services & Consultancy

Key Responsibilities

• Own and execute global subcategory strategies aligned to Group Procurement goals
• Lead cross-functional sourcing and supplier management initiatives
• Deliver savings, improve service, and drive ESG compliance through sourcing strategies
• Leverage supplier relationships to reduce cost, increase innovation and performance
• Provide market insight, contract governance, and structured supplier performance reviews
• Act as a trusted partner to internal stakeholders, influencing across divisions and geographies

What You Bring

• Proven experience leading end-to-end procurement projects in HR/professional services
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strategic mindset with commercial acumen and a numbers-driven approach
• Experience with e-sourcing, spend analytics, and performance tools
• Ability to thrive in a complex, matrixed, global organisation
• An inquisitive, resilient, and results-oriented mindset

Why Smiths?

• Be part of a global business committed to sustainability, inclusion and integrity
• Work in a culture that values curiosity, innovation, and collaboration
• Enjoy a flexible, hybrid working model and support for your professional development
• Join a company where your work matters—helping protect people, enable innovation, and advance global industries