Category Manager in Cornwall

HBX Group is the world’s leading technology partner, connecting and empowering the world of travel. We’re game-changers, disruptors, the people who bring together local and global brands in accommodation, transport, activities and payments through our network of 300,000 hotels worldwide, 60,000 hard-to-reach high-value clients such as tour operators, travel agents and loyalty schemes across 140 source markets. We are tech-driven, with a customer-first philosophy, and commercial teams whose knowledge and relationships on the ground are second to none. Our people, Team HBX Group, are the beating heart of the company who we encourage to ‘move fast, dream big and make the difference’ every day. In fact, we believe that it is tech + data + people that truly sets us apart in the market, alongside our ‘global approach, local touch’ mentality.

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategically minded Category Manager with a strong background working in large multinational companies. This role requires a commercially savvy, analytical and negotiation-focused professional who can lead category strategies, manage supplier performance, and support internal stakeholders across the organisation. You will own the end-to-end category lifecycle, ensuring cost optimisation without compromising service quality, while driving value creation and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Develop negotiation strategies and drive negotiations to achieve stated goals and objectives.
• Create a full-year action plan considering all contract renewals, identifying synergies and pressure-testing the need for renewal.
• Identify areas of improvement to current spend and define required solutions (RFxs, internal stakeholder support, supplier consolidation, tougher negotiations, etc.).
• Ensure proper control and policy compliance for all agreements.
• Ensure that value and SLAs from vendors are not sacrificed as a consequence of reduced cost.
• Support and challenge business needs to optimise category performance.

Skillset and Experience Required:

• Significant experience as a Category Manager within large multinational organisations.
• Strong commercial, analytical and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience managing complex supplier portfolios and executing strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to run RFxs, lead supplier consolidation strategies and conduct robust cost-value assessments.
• Ability to influence, collaborate with and challenge senior stakeholders when needed.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance and supplier performance management.
• Results-driven, proactive and adaptable in fast-paced environments.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.

At HBX Group, we believe that diversity drives innovation and makes travel a force for good. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Join us and be part of a team where equal opportunities truly make a difference. You will have the opportunity to work for a company that is going through significant change in becoming the world’s leading travel services provider. We are looking for people that are ready to ride the wave in this exciting journey.

As well as an attractive benefits package you will be able to work within an innovative, engaging and multicultural environment, build strong and lasting business relationships and friendships from around the world, and develop your career locally or within one of our beautiful working locations across the globe.