Category Manager - Workplace Management

Category Manager - Workplace Management

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Broughton Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic category management and procurement for workplace services.
  • Company: Join a leading firm in facilities management with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on collaboration and sustainability.
  • Why this job: Make an impact by optimising supplier relationships and driving business success.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, strong communication skills, and a degree required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

The Category Manager role sits within our UK and Ireland (UK&I) Sourcing and Procurement Team, with direct reporting to the Category Management Lead and a matrix reporting line to the EMEA Regional Category Management Lead. Operating within this dual reporting structure, the role holder will align closely with EMEA regional strategy while delivering UK and Ireland business objectives.

The successful candidate will possess a proven track record of building deep market knowledge across all service lines and sectors where we currently operate, and the ability to develop Category strategies which support and facilitate the business in delivering optimal Client solutions and benefits. Additionally, this position involves developing and managing preferred suppliers while identifying opportunities to balance self-performance versus delivery through preferred supplier partners. Experience operating effectively within matrix reporting structures and balancing regional and local priorities will be essential.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
  • Strategic Category Management: Serve as hard services category specialist and subject matter expert for allocated categories. Soft services experience also desirable. Develop and execute category strategies aligned with UK&I business needs and EMEA regional direction. Drive preferred supplier list consolidation, leverage economies of scale, and deliver measurable value.
  • Procurement and Solution Development: Create strategic solutions for commodity and service requirements. Manage end-to-end procurement events including RFP management, bid analysis and stakeholder liaison. Lead category strategy execution and proactively identify improvement opportunities. Support new business pursuits, transitions and client renewals by defining optimal supply chain solutions.
  • Financial Performance: Deliver financial targets while identifying additional value opportunities. Lead the Alliance Programme to drive supplier partnerships and achieve revenue targets. Provide monthly tracking and collaborate with finance partners. Mitigate external impacts including inflation and material shortages.
  • Market Intelligence: Maintain strong facilities management market knowledge and develop category insights. Apply market intelligence to identify and qualify new suppliers. Develop comprehensive understanding of WPM UK&I self-delivery versus subcontracting strategy and create make-versus-buy scenarios.
  • Supply Chain Management: Utilize supply chain analytics to assess category needs. Rationalise supply base and implement strategic supplier frameworks. Develop Supplier Relationship Management and Performance Management programmes with key partners to maximize PSL value through insights into supplier capabilities, new business pipelines, responsible procurement initiatives, innovations, and HSSE compliance. Engage stakeholders as relationship sponsors and promote PSL capabilities through targeted events and communications to drive business adoption.
  • Business Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with Sourcing and Procurement, EMEA Category Management and key stakeholders across JLL. Establish a network of SMEs and integrate them into supply chain activities.
  • Governance, Compliance & Reporting: Manage supplier onboarding and challenge new supplier requests where PSL coverage exists. Ensure compliance with Responsible Procurement and HSSE standards. Partner with specialist teams to deliver social value opportunities and maintain contractor compliance. Maintain current Buyers Guides and Category Dashboards. Serve as primary escalation point for Category Management enquiries. Apply ethical company standards consistently across all activities.
  • WPM UK&I Self-Delivery: Partner with WPM UK&I self-delivery business to ensure the PSL effectively supports operational requirements across all business sectors, working closely with sector leads to drive supplier performance, enable efficient self-delivery operations, and deliver continuous improvement aligned to business objectives.
Key Expectations
  • Serve as hard services category subject matter expert and primary point of contact.
  • Lead end-to-end procurement: RFPs, supplier due diligence, contract negotiation, and implementation.
  • Deliver SRM and SPM programs across allocated categories to maximize PSL value.
  • Achieve financial targets and Alliance Programme revenue goals through strategic supplier partnerships.
  • Develop and execute category strategies with supplier summaries, market insights, and stakeholder engagement plans.
  • Maintain facilities management market intelligence and identify/qualify new suppliers.
  • Rationalise supply base and drive PSL consolidation to leverage economies of scale.
  • Partner with WPM UK&I self-delivery operations to support business requirements.
  • Drive PSL Compliance across the organization.
  • Ensure compliance with Responsible Procurement and HSSE standards.
  • Manage supplier onboarding and challenge unnecessary new supplier requests.
  • Maintain Buyers Guides, Category Dashboards, and provide data-driven insights.
  • Build strong relationships with stakeholders, functional leads, SMEs, and EMEA Category Management teams.
  • Provide strategic thought leadership to identify cost and operational efficiencies.
  • Support new business pursuits, transitions, and client renewals with optimal supply chain solutions.
  • Operate within matrix reporting structure, balancing EMEA regional and UK&I local priorities.
  • Proven ability to deliver results in challenging environments.
Requirements & Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree required; MBA or relevant Master's degree preferred.
  • Certifications: Professional procurement certifications highly valued: CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), MCIPS, or equivalent.
  • Previous Experience: 5+ years progressive FM procurement/category management experience. UK&I FM category management experience. Hard Services is the preference, but some Soft Services experience will also be relevant to this role. Ideally experience of working within a Hard Services or an Engineering discipline.
  • Targeted Competencies: Proven supplier management capabilities encompassing commercial performance, risk mitigation, and relationship development. Demonstrated proficiency in procurement leadership, negotiation, stakeholder influence, and change management governance. Strong written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels. Excellent interpersonal and organisational abilities. Strategic supplier relationship management experience with C-suite executives and procurement leadership, including initiative presentation and buy-in. Track record of delivering measurable value, insight, and innovation. Demonstrated success delivering results in complex, fast-paced environments with competing priorities. Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively under tight deadlines. Advanced MS Office proficiency (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with CAFM systems and e-sourcing platforms preferred. Strong analytical capabilities with expertise in data analysis, reporting, and category strategy development.

Category Manager - Workplace Management employer: Broughton Group

As a Category Manager in our UK&I Sourcing and Procurement Team, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities and a commitment to ethical procurement practices, all while being part of a company that values your contributions and supports your career growth. Join us in a location that fosters both personal and professional advancement, making a meaningful impact in the facilities management sector.

Broughton Group

Contact Details:

Broughton Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Workplace Management

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 Broughton Group.

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 - Workplace Management

Category Management
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Procurement Leadership
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Market Intelligence
Financial Performance Management

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 Broughton Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Broughton Group. 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 Broughton Group.

How to prepare for a job interview at Broughton Group

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 Broughton Group!

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 Broughton Group. 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 Broughton Group's culture.