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- Tasks: Lead global strategies for HR and professional services, driving savings and innovation.
- Company: Smiths Group is a FTSE 100 leader in industrial technology with a rich history of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development support, and a culture of sustainability and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team where your contributions directly impact global industries and promote positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement projects, strong negotiation skills, and a strategic mindset are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to work across 50+ countries in a complex, global organisation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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
Smiths Group plc - Global Category Manager - HR & Professional Services employer: Cielo Talent
Contact Detail:
Cielo Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Smiths Group plc - Global Category Manager - HR & Professional Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Smiths Group's core divisions and their specific needs in HR and professional services. Understanding how your role as a Global Category Manager can impact these areas will help you articulate your value during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Smiths Group, especially those in procurement or HR roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends related to HR and professional services. Being knowledgeable about the latest developments will not only enhance your discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and delivered savings in previous roles. Tailoring your experiences to align with the responsibilities of the Global Category Manager position will make you stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Smiths Group plc - Global Category Manager - HR & Professional Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Global Category Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences in HR and professional services procurement.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your experience in leading procurement projects, negotiation skills, and stakeholder engagement. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Write a Tailored Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight specific examples of how your strategic mindset and commercial acumen align with Smiths Group's goals and values.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cielo Talent
✨Research Smiths Group plc
Before your interview, take the time to understand Smiths Group's history, values, and the sectors they operate in. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and innovations, especially in HR and professional services, as this will show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, particularly when discussing your experience in leading procurement projects and managing supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
As a Global Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic thinking and commercial acumen. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and executed category strategies in the past, and how you can apply that experience to benefit Smiths Group.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the company's goals, challenges in the HR and professional services sector, and how the procurement team collaborates across divisions. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
