At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive value and innovation in Facilities Management through strategic category management.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on procurement transformation and supplier performance.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with a focus on continuous improvement and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising costs and enhancing supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
- Category Manager - Facilities Management
- Hybrid- London
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Procurement, the Category Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies across a diverse portfolio of FM services spend.
The role will focus on driving value, enhancing supplier performance, supporting procurement transformation initiatives, and ensuring commercial arrangements align with operational and strategic objectives.
The successful candidate will work closely with business stakeholders to identify opportunities for cost optimisation, service improvement, and innovation across the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives and procurement priorities.
- Manage designated Facilities Management categories, ensuring effective supplier management and commercial performance.
- Lead sourcing activities, tenders, supplier selection exercises, and contract negotiations.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, supplier consolidation, and continuous improvement across categories.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving performance, innovation, and value creation.
- Develop supplier performance frameworks, including KPI management, governance reviews, and service improvement plans.
- Support the commercial management of Modern Service Agreements (MSAs) and other strategic service contracts.
- Partner with operational, technical, finance, and leadership teams to understand requirements and deliver sourcing solutions.
- Conduct category spend analysis and market assessments to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Monitor and manage supply chain risks, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with governance requirements, regulatory standards, and procurement best practice.
- Support procurement transformation programmes, including process improvement, policy development, and supplier rationalisation initiatives.
- Produce reporting on category performance, savings delivery, supplier performance, and contract compliance.
Requirements
Essential
- Proven experience in a Category Manager, Senior Category Manager, Procurement Manager, or Strategic Sourcing role.
- Strong experience developing and implementing category strategies within indirect procurement environments.
- Demonstrable track record of delivering sourcing projects, commercial value, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Experience managing complex service contracts and supplier relationships.
- Strong understanding of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and supplier performance measurement.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Strong commercial acumen, negotiation capability, and analytical skills.
- Experience operating within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
Desirable
- MCIPS qualified or working towards qualification.
- Experience managing Facilities Management categories, particularly soft services.
- Experience with Modern Service Agreements (MSAs), outsourced service contracts, or outcome-based arrangements.
- Background in facilities management, infrastructure, engineering, technology, defence, manufacturing, or energy sectors.
- Exposure to procurement transformation, operating model redesign, or change programmes.
- Understanding of category management methodologies and strategic sourcing frameworks.
Category Manager in London employer: Arguile
At Arguile, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer in the defence sector, offering our employees the chance to make a significant impact in a high-growth start-up environment. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and strategic thinking, while our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your career. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a unique advantage with access to industry leaders and cutting-edge projects that shape the future of defence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Arguile.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Arguile:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Arguile. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Arguile.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arguile
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Arguile!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Arguile. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Arguile's culture.
