Category Manager - Indirect (12-month FTC - Maternity Cover) in London

Position Overview

The Category Manager is a strategy setter, collaborator, project manager, and negotiator who applies strong knowledge of service offerings to indirect spend categories for the company. This position will have accountability for spend categories, as assigned, such as Information Technology, SaaS, Marketing, Human Resources, Sales, Finance, Operations, Facilities, and/or Legal. This role also plays a key part in rolling out project initiatives for the Indirect Procurement organization, requiring experience in project management to ensure services effectively support the assigned categories. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of various procurement methods, understand and negotiate required agreements for purchasing items, and collaborate with business leaders to develop and execute procurement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies and prepare, negotiate, manage, and coordinate agreements supporting assigned categories.
• Collaborate with business leaders in establishing and executing procurement strategies.
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, service, cost, and capability; ensure competitive pricing and service models align with value propositions and market dynamics.
• Prepare bid packages, conduct bidder conferences, create statements of work, analyze and evaluate proposals, negotiate terms and conditions, recommend or select suppliers, draft awards, and administer resulting contracts.
• Manage supplier relationships, including pipeline development, communication, onboarding, and project handoff to operational areas.
• Skillfully negotiate contractual and commercial terms to achieve risk and spend targets.
• Work with various company functions to coordinate requirements, facilitate contract co-terminations, and leverage spend.
• Administer and manage supplier contracts to ensure compliance both externally and internally.
• Stay apprised of market trends and changes in business practices within the assigned categories.
• Track cost savings, cost avoidance, and cost increases.
• Perform reporting and spend analysis to support business goals.
• Lead and execute key projects for the Indirect Procurement team, such as implementing a contract management tool and a new procure-to-pay system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of purchasing or related experience, or equivalent education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Experience negotiating agreements and contracts with strong comprehension of legal and commercial terms and conditions.
• Solid knowledge of supply chain requirements, systems, supplier development, indirect procurement categories, and process improvement.
• Ability to lead teams and influence peers and other cross-functional teams; strong communication skills, highly developed interpersonal skills, and self-motivation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel up to 15%, including internationally.
• Must be able to lawfully work within the UK and have unrestricted work authorization for the UK.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Six Sigma training; Black or Green Belt desired.
• Experience developing and implementing category strategies.
• Advanced degree in Business Administration or Purchasing Management.
• Nationally recognized professional certification (CIPS Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional Contract Manager).
• Experience working with intellectual property concepts and contractual language.
• Oracle and Coupa systems experience.
• Business Objects data warehouse experience.

Benefits

• Career Growth: Dedicated learning initiatives and engaging challenges to support professional development.
• Flexibility: Remote, hybrid, or on-site options to fit individual lifestyles.
• Collaboration: A culture that encourages idea sharing and teamwork.

Entrust is an EEO/AA/Disabled/Veterans Employer. Entrust values diversity and inclusion and is committed to building a diverse workforce with wide perspectives and innovative ideas. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and strive to provide an accessible experience for candidates of all abilities.