Category Manager - 2264 in London

Application Deadline: 24 July 2026

Department: HQ

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: One Stratford Place

Reporting To: Brett Sefton

Role details:

• Based at One Stratford Place.
• 37-hour working week.
• Hybrid working available, with Tuesdays and Thursdays designated as office days, subject to business requirements.
• Employment is subject to satisfactory Right to Work checks, a DBS check, and where applicable, a medical assessment.
• Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
• Competitive salary.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Finance team for a Category Manager. You will oversee all procurement activities across a defined category area and be responsible for Category plans and sourcing strategies that align with our established processes and company guidelines. You will negotiate contracts with external parties, provide guidance to stakeholders, and ensure compliance with government policies and public spending regulations. Additionally, you will collaborate with internal stakeholders to advise on procurement protocols, processes, and governance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensuring compliance to relevant legislation, processes and governance are applied throughout nominated Categories.
• Lead on the delivery of procurement strategies and tactical approaches in line with procurement processes and policies including drafting of all procurement documentation including but not limited to competitive and negotiated procedures, evaluation and moderation, and contract execution.
• Delivery of all procurements and support (where required) on all pre-procurement governance and approvals to assist in the delivery of the Category Strategy or in support of wider business objectives.
• Draft and negotiate agreements with third parties and provide guidance to stakeholders on service delivery obligations, liaising with Legal and, where required, the Senior Category Manager.
• Collaborating, advising and assisting internal stakeholders on / with procurement procedures, processes, business cases and governance.
• Creation of contractual agreements with suppliers ensuring they are fit for purpose and deliver commerciality to the business.
• Contribute to and, where required, lead stakeholder meetings and ensure compliance of policies are regulations through governance within the business.
• Assist in preparation of papers recommending action to the appropriate company meetings.
• Supporting DFTO or associated business initiatives such as cross-organisation tendering to harness economies of scale.
• Providing sourcing / commercial knowledge and expertise to stakeholders in negotiating with suppliers and securing value for money through effective contract management.
• Ensure the UK laws and industry standards regarding purchasing and contract activities are communicated at every opportunity by the post holder to all managers and other appropriate staff to reduce the risk of non-compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement of ISO20400 sustainable procurement by capturing sustainability improvements and initiatives within our supply chain.
• Management and approval of Purchase Orders.
• Undertake other reasonable requests as required by their line manager, in line with grade and competence.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise:

We’re looking for candidates who have:

• A well-developed background in an operational and strategic procurement role.
• MCIPS certification, a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), or relevant experience in a regulated environment.
• A solid understanding of the public procurement processes, including contractual documentation and governance requirements.
• Experience in stakeholder management and supply chain planning is essential.
• Proficiency in contract law, government legislation and regulations is required.
• A good understanding of procure-to-pay systems and processes, as well as e-tendering.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks in a hands-on environment, with excellent organisational skills.

The closing date for all completed applications is on Friday 24th July 2026. Please note vacancies can close earlier due to high influx of candidate applications.

Job Benefits:

• Travel Discounts: Enjoy free travel on Greater Anglia and 75% off with other train operators, plus discounts for eligible family members too!
• International Adventures: After 12 months, unlock discounted international travel for you and your family.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access the GA Hapi App for deals on shopping, dining, and fun days out.
• Vouchers for Loved Ones: Get 12 annual discount vouchers for family and friends to enjoy.
• Wellbeing Support: 24/7 employee assistance, eyecare vouchers, flu jabs, and physiotherapy services.
• Pension Perks: Start with a Defined Contribution pension, with the option to upgrade to a Final Salary pension after 2 years.
• Family-Friendly Policies: We’ve got you covered with maternity, paternity, adoption leave, and shared parental leave after 26 weeks.
• Save While You Spend: Cycle to work and tech purchase schemes once you pass probation.
• Extra Holiday Flexibility: Purchase up to 10 additional days of annual leave each year.