Senior Category Manager

Global University Systems (GUS) is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter and more sustainable future for all. Our institutions offer the broadest range of industry‑relevant skills through inclusive, accessible and digital‑first learning, equipping our thriving multi‑national community of students for lifelong success. Our world‑leading network and state‑of‑the‑art institutions power the upskilling of our students worldwide.

Location: London

Summary Of Role

Group Procurement is a new function on an exciting journey to establish a central procurement team. As a Senior Category Manager, you will help shape procurement’s future, embedding category management methodologies to drive a step change in benefit delivery across the organisation. You will work closely with international procurement teams (Canada, Germany, India) and the Centre of Excellence to leverage global opportunities and deliver efficiency and value.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives, cost savings and a step change in speed to value for the business.
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to identify trends, opportunities and risks.
• Adapt to nuances at both global and local levels to ensure successful delivery.
• Identify, evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, cost and delivery performance.
• Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable supply chains.
• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and audits.
• Lead contract negotiations with suppliers to achieve best terms and conditions.
• Ensure contracts comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and manage contract renewals and amendments.
• Implement cost‑saving initiatives without compromising quality or service levels.
• Anticipate price changes and adjust procurement strategies accordingly.
• Develop and manage the category project cost savings pipeline.
• Support and advise the Centre of Excellence to ensure effective use of category activity for tactical purchases.
• Identify potential supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with ethical sourcing and sustainability standards.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders (IT, HR, Sales and Marketing) to align procurement strategies with business needs.
• Collaborate with in‑country procurement teams to ensure consistency of group procurement strategies.
• Provide guidance and support to localised procurement teams as needed.
• Prepare and present regular reports on category performance, including savings, supplier performance and risk management to the Head of Global Procurement.
• Continuously improve procurement processes and practices.

Experience & Requirements for the Role

Essential: 5+ years of relevant procurement experience.

Desirable: Experience working in a large international group; Global category experience.

Qualifications / Education

Essential: A degree or similar‑level qualification in a relevant subject area.

Desirable: Working towards/obtained Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply MCIPS qualification; Experience using e‑Procurement platforms and procurement software.

Key Skills

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Track record of effective stakeholder management.
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset and resilient, can‑do attitude.
• Strategic thinker with proactive problem‑solving approach.
• Outstanding analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work in fast‑paced environment, managing multiple scenarios.
• Commercial and financial acumen.
• Supplier relationship management skills.
• Highly organised with proficient project management skills.
• Initiative, prioritisation and multitasking ability.
• Integrity and professional ethics.
• Experience applying category management principles.

Equal Opportunity

GUS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.

Benefits

• Plus 1 day per year (capped at 25 days) for work‑life balance.
• 5% personal contribution & 3% company contribution for long‑term financial security.
• Interest‑free travel loan for commuting.
• Support for regular eye tests and essential eyewear.
• Access to short courses through FutureLearn and group‑wide professional development programmes.
• Rewards Hub: discounts at various retailers across categories.
• Conf wellbeing support.
• Rewards for referring talent.
• Discounts and sponsorship opportunities at select GUS institutions, including The University of Law.

Application Process

We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications meet our requirements. Qualified candidates will be contacted to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process. We wish you every success. We retain your data for 6 months. You may request to anonymise or delete your candidate profile at any time using the personal settings in the portal. Deleted candidates may reapply at any time by logging back into your account.