Category Manager - Real Estate and Facilities Services in Manchester

Thank you for checking out our vacancy, we're delighted you want to learn more about joining Dechra. A career at Dechra is different. Sure, we're a growing global company with a presence in 27 countries but our purpose is simple - to achieve the sustainable improvement of animal health and welfare globally. If you want to be part of a team that invests in your future and ensures you have the support to reach your full potential and thrive, please read on.

The Real Estate & Facilities Services Category Manager will establish and lead Dechra's global strategy for corporate and non-manufacturing facilities within the Indirect Procurement function. The role is responsible for managing real estate activities - including acquisitions, divestments, and site transitions - and overseeing the global procurement of facility services and vendor contracts. This position addresses the organisational need for consistent, strategic management of facilities and related negotiations across the business.

Role Responsibility

This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

• The role ensures that Dechra's non-manufacturing sites are operated efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with global business strategy, while providing advisory support on global service contracts for manufacturing facilities where appropriate.
• Success requires a strategic, self-driven leader with strong negotiation skills and the ability to collaborate across functions, including senior leadership, to drive cost savings, improve supplier performance, and support organisational transformation.
• The Category Manager will work closely with the Head of Indirect Procurement to shape and deliver the long-term procurement agenda.

Real Estate Management

• Portfolio oversight: Maintain visibility of all corporate and R&D leases, renewals, expirations, and obligations.
• Lease negotiation: Lead negotiations for new leases, renewals, amendments, and terminations in partnership with Legal and Finance.
• Landlord coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords for all non-manufacturing sites.
• Site transition management: Coordinate activities for site openings, relocations, and closures (e.g., document destruction, facility clean up, vendor offboarding).

Facilities & Site Services

• Service contract management: Oversee contracts for cleaning, waste disposal, security, utilities, and other site services.
• Vendor performance: Manage vendor relationships, SLAs, and performance metrics.
• Global standards: Develop and implement global guidance for facility services across non-manufacturing sites and support if required with the manufacturing sites.
• Issue escalation: Support site leaders in resolving facility-related issues promptly and effectively.

Procurement Integration

• Strategic sourcing: Source facility-related services and negotiate favourable terms.
• Cost optimisation: Identify opportunities for consolidation, standardisation, and cost savings across the portfolio.
• Contract governance: Ensure all facility-related contracts comply with procurement and legal requirements.

The Candidate

Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer. We know that individuals' unique background and experience can bring a wealth of variety and expertise to our global workforce. For this role, we're particularly keen to hear from those who have/are:

• Procurement professional with several years of experience operating at a global/international manufacturing organisation which has a level of medium to high complexity.
• Significant experience and expertise in strategic sourcing of Real Estate and facilities management.
• Strong negotiation experience with leases, service contracts, and vendor agreements.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement systems and best practice e.g. working knowledge of multi-site ERP systems.
• Experience in leading international procurement projects and building category strategies from the ground up.
• Legal & Contractual understanding.
• Ability to review and negotiate terms and conditions to mitigate legal and commercial risk.
• Strong project management capabilities with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships and influence internal stakeholders at all levels (C-suite included) and external suppliers.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and End-to-End (E2E) mindset and thinking.
• Degree in Business or Supply Chain Management / Procurement or equivalent work experience.

Additional Information:

Frequent global travel may be required with this role. This role is based in the NW of England / hybrid.

What we can offer you:

• 33 days annual (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Healthcare
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Assurance
• 8% Employer Pension Contribution
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Car / Car Allowance (discretionary)
• Bonus (discretionary)
• Discounted Pet Food

About the Company

If a career at Dechra has piqued your interest, find out more at the Dechra careers website. Dechra is a growing, global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing, and sales of high-quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.

All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we're looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don't be too disappointed - we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies which could be suitable, and we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site. We value diversity within our global workforce and encourage an inclusive culture. Any questions or queries, please contact us.