At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic category plans and drive innovation in facilities management.
- Company: Join Biffa, a forward-thinking leader in the technology and supply chain industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a focus on sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping procurement strategies and fostering supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: 5 years in strategic procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and influence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A quick look at the role
We’re seeking a Category Manager - Facilities Management who brings a forward-thinking mindset, commercial sharpness, and the ability to lead change. This role suits someone who thrives on ownership, navigates complexity with confidence, and builds momentum through strategic influence and strong supplier and stakeholder relationships.
Your Core Responsibilities
- Shape and deliver strategic category plans that align with long-term business goals, drive innovation, and support transformation across the supply chain.
- Lead tendering, negotiation, and contract award processes, applying sound judgement and commercial insight to secure sustainable value.
- Deliver annual savings targets while maintaining supplier quality, reliability, and service excellence.
- Champion sustainability across the category, ensuring compliance with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and broader ESG goals.
- Build trusted relationships with senior internal stakeholders, fostering alignment and engagement to support change initiatives.
- Ensure full compliance with procurement processes, standards, and systems as defined by the Procurement Excellence team.
- Provide clear, accurate reporting of savings and performance, contributing to continuous improvement and excellence in procurement delivery.
Our Essential Requirements
- 5 years experience of strategic Procurement in a category-management based model.
- Degree educated and CIPS Qualified.
- Experience of delivering complex tender processes including multiple stakeholders and weighted quality/commercial award criteria.
- Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders within matrix organisations.
- Experience in managing strategic supplier relationships and partnerships, with the capability to engage confidently at senior levels—both externally with key supply chain partners and internally across senior stakeholder groups.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Supply Chain
Industries: Technology, Information and Internet
Category Manager in London employer: Biffa
Contact Detail:
Biffa Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and strategic category management. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role requires strong negotiation abilities, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more confident when discussing terms and conditions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly shows your commitment. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our recruitment team!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in strategic procurement and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive innovation and deliver savings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your negotiation skills and how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've delivered results. Whether it's savings targets or successful tender processes, we want to see how you've made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Biffa
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of facilities management and the current trends in procurement. Familiarise yourself with key suppliers, market dynamics, and sustainability practices. This will not only show your passion but also your readiness to lead strategic category plans.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led tendering processes or negotiated contracts. Be ready to discuss how you applied commercial insight to secure value while maintaining supplier quality. This will demonstrate your capability to influence stakeholders effectively.
✨Build Relationships Virtually
Since this role involves managing relationships with senior stakeholders, think about how you can convey your relationship-building skills during the interview. Share stories that highlight your ability to engage and align with various stakeholders, both internally and externally.
✨Align with Sustainability Goals
Familiarise yourself with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and other ESG goals relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you can champion sustainability within the category and contribute to compliance efforts. This shows you’re not just focused on profit but also on responsible procurement.