Strategic Sourcing Manager in Milton

We are seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead category management initiatives and drive strategic value through procurement excellence. Reporting into the Strategic Sourcing Director, this role combines strategic thinking with operational execution to optimize organizational spend, manage supplier relationships, and support business objectives through data‑driven category strategies.

Strategic Category Management

• Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives and organizational priorities.
• Conduct detailed category analysis including spend analysis, market research, and supplier landscape assessment.
• Create 3-5 year category roadmaps with clear milestones, deliverables, and value creation opportunities.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to ensure stakeholder alignment and successful strategy implementation.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs and adjust strategies based on market dynamics and business needs.

Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Execute end‑to‑end strategic sourcing processes including RFx development, supplier evaluation, and contract negotiation.
• Build and maintain a robust supplier portfolio through market analysis and supplier capability assessment.
• Develop supplier relationship management strategies to optimize performance, innovation, and risk mitigation.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and implement improvement plans where necessary.
• Lead supplier development initiatives to enhance capability and drive continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

• Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into procurement strategies.
• Influence senior leadership and cross‑functional teams to drive adoption of category strategies.
• Facilitate stakeholder workshops and category review meetings to ensure alignment and buy‑in.
• Provide expert procurement guidance and support to business units within assigned categories.
• Build strong internal and external relationships to enable successful category outcomes.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Deliver measurable cost savings and value creation through strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Develop total cost of ownership models and business cases for sourcing decisions.
• Negotiate complex commercial terms and conditions to optimize value while managing risk.
• Track and report on category financial performance, savings delivery, and budget compliance.
• Support budget planning processes with market intelligence and cost forecasting.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate category‑specific risks including supply chain, financial, and operational risks.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to maintain business continuity.
• Conduct supplier due diligence and ongoing risk monitoring activities.
• Implement sustainable procurement practices and ESG considerations within category strategies.

Data Analysis & Market Intelligence

• Analyse complex spend data to identify opportunities for consolidation, standardisation, and optimisation.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform sourcing strategies.
• Develop category insights and recommendations based on data analysis and market trends.
• Create comprehensive reports and presentations for senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Maintain category knowledge base and share best practices across the procurement organisation.

If you have a disability, or face another barrier, and would like to request an adjustment to assist your participation in the hiring process and/or in the advertised position, please contact Liz Southwick. Your request will be reviewed and considered in the strictest confidence.

Qualifications

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop long‑term category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong negotiation skills and understanding of commercial terms and conditions.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent relationship building and influencing skills across all organisational levels.
• Analytical Mindset: Data‑driven approach to decision making with strong problem‑solving capabilities.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to senior leadership.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously with competing priorities, robust and demonstrable experience of procurement or category management across a variety of categories.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable savings and value through strategic sourcing.
• Experience managing complex, high‑value categories with multiple stakeholders across several geographic locations.
• Demonstrated success in supplier relationship management and contract negotiation.
• Experience working in a matrix organisation with cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency in procurement systems (e‑sourcing platforms, contract management systems).
• CIPS qualification Level 4 or equivalent professional certification.

Desirable

• Strong analytical skills with experience in spend analysis tools and data visualisation within Excel and Power BI.
• CIPS qualification Level 6 or equivalent professional certification.
• Additional certifications such as LSS, CPSM, CPM, or PMP.
• Experience in media publishing or similar B2C industries.

Informa is a leading academic publishing, business intelligence, knowledge and events business, creating unique content and connectivity for customers all over the world. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.

Benefits

• An excellent work/life balance with a fantastic, flexible working culture.
• 25 days annual leave per year plus a day off for your birthday.
• 3 additional discretionary days off during the holiday season at the end of the year.
• 4 paid volunteering days each year.
• Company funded single cover private medical insurance.
• Employee assistance programme – offering 24/7 well‑being support.
• Share Match – Plan that matches every share purchased with two free shares.
• Pension scheme.
• Life assurance, plus optical and medical care.

Being Yourself at Taylor & Francis: If you're excited about working with Taylor & Francis to foster human progress through knowledge, we invite you to apply even if your existing skills and experience don’t fit every item listed above. At Taylor & Francis, we are at our best and most successful when colleagues can be themselves and make a contribution regardless of their identity or background. As a colleague, you will have the opportunity to further innovate and develop in areas that you are passionate about. Our goal is to empower you with the resources, incentives, and flexibility you need to enjoy success at work and to live a healthy, balanced life. Taylor & Francis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in and value diversity of people and thought, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all colleagues can learn and succeed as their true selves. Taylor & Francis recruits, develops, and retains colleagues without regard to any protected personal characteristics or other non‑merit based factor.