Category Lead

Helios Towers is a leading independent telecoms infrastructure company with a broad tower portfolio across Africa and the Middle East. Our business model promotes tower infrastructure sharing, enabling mobile network operators to deliver connectivity more quickly, reliably, cost‑effectively and with a lower carbon footprint. This supports sustainable development across our markets.

Location: London
Job Title: Category Lead

Role Overview

Reporting to the Group Procurement Manager, you will shape and lead strategic sourcing and supplier management for your assigned category. This role directly supports Helios Towers’ 2030 strategy KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

• Authorize and act as the single point of accountability for the relevant sector on demands.
• Drive the creation of Category Management plans.
• Lead the strategic sourcing process, including bidder identification.
• Develop market engagement strategies and select suppliers.
• Lead commercial and contractual negotiations with suppliers.
• Drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM).
• Process and lead performance improvement meetings in collaboration with technical functions.
• Develop and oversee Supplier Performance Improvement Plans, recommending interventions where necessary.

Requirements for the Role

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in all elements of procurement.
• Strong exposure to category management.
• Proven experience in contract development and management.
• Demonstrated success in supplier relationship management.
• Operational experience in developing markets.
• Telecommunications industry experience is a plus.

Desired Skills

• Strong stakeholder management.
• Design‑to‑cost approach.
• CIPS or equivalent procurement qualification.
• Financial and performance reporting.
• Business performance measurement.
• Project management.
• Experience in emerging markets.
• Knowledge of French (desirable).

Benefits

• Competitive basic salary.
• Discretionary bonus.
• Health insurance.
• Life insurance.

Helios Towers is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. All applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. If you are applying for a position in South Africa, Employment Equity targets may apply when we consider your application.