Category Management Lead in London
Category Management Lead

Category Management Lead in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
JLL

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in shaping category management strategies and optimising supply chains.
  • Company: Join JLL, a global leader in real estate and investment management.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of real estate while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in procurement with strong leadership and strategic sourcing experience.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Role Summary: The Category Management Lead role sits within our UK and Ireland (UK&I) Sourcing and Procurement Team, with direct reporting to the Head of Sourcing and Procurement for UK and Ireland, and a matrix reporting line to the EMEA Regional Category Management Lead. Operating within this dual reporting structure, the role holder will align closely with EMEA regional strategy while delivering UK and Ireland business objectives. This is a pivotal role that will provide strong leadership to our Category Management team and build the end-to-end strategy to manage our Supply Chain and Category Management related activities.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables:

  • Team Leadership & Development: Build and lead a high-performing UK&I Category Management team. Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and coaching. Set clear objectives, conduct regular performance reviews, and develop talent through structured career development plans that foster collaboration and excellence.
  • Strategic Category Management: Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies aligned with UK&I business needs and EMEA regional direction. Drive preferred Supplier list (PSL) consolidation, leverage economies of scale, and deliver measurable value.
  • Supply Chain Optimisation: Lead UK&I supply chain strategy across PSL and non-preferred suppliers. Right-size the supply chain to deliver local, regional, and national solutions.
  • WPM UK&I Self-Delivery: Partner with WPM UK&I self-delivery business to ensure the PSL effectively supports operational requirements across all business sectors.
  • Financial Performance & Value Delivery: Deliver financial targets while proactively identifying additional value opportunities.
  • Supplier Relationship Management: Execute a robust SRM programme to maximize PSL value through insights into supplier capabilities, new business pipelines, responsible procurement initiatives, innovations, and HSSE compliance.
  • Business Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with Sourcing and Procurement, EMEA Category Management and key stakeholders across JLL.
  • Governance, Compliance & Reporting: Manage supplier onboarding and challenge new supplier requests where PSL coverage exists.
  • Strategic Planning & Alignment: Contribute to annual strategy development in alignment with EMEA Category Management team to maximize regional leverage opportunities.

Key Expectations:

  • Lead a high-performing UK&I Category Management team with clear objectives.
  • Develop and execute market-leading category strategies aligned with UK&I and EMEA direction.
  • Drive PSL consolidation, supply chain optimisation, and deliver financial targets.
  • Execute robust SRM programmes to maximize supplier value and performance.
  • Build strong cross-functional stakeholder relationships and support WPM UK&I operations.
  • Ensure governance and compliance with Responsible Procurement and HSSE standards.

Requirements & Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree required; MBA or relevant Master's degree preferred.
  • Certifications: Professional procurement certifications highly valued: CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), MCIPS, or equivalent.
  • Previous Experience: 10+ years progressive procurement/category management experience with minimum 5 years in senior leadership roles.
  • Targeted Competencies: Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, category strategy development, and supplier relationship management within an FM Services or engineering discipline across the UK market is essential.

We can’t wait to see where your ambitions take you at JLL. Apply today!

Category Management Lead in London employer: JLL

At JLL, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our London office offers a dynamic work environment where you can lead high-performing teams, develop strategic category management initiatives, and drive meaningful change in the real estate sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, ensuring that you can achieve your ambitions while making a positive impact in the industry.
JLL

Contact Detail:

JLL Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Management Lead in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former JLL employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Category Management Lead role. Personal connections can give you insights that no job description can.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching JLL's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to shaping a brighter future at JLL. Tailor your answers to reflect our values and goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Management Lead, you’ll need to demonstrate strong commercial negotiation capabilities. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence before the big day.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. It’s also a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the team at JLL.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Management Lead in London

Team Leadership
Category Management Strategy Development
Supply Chain Optimisation
Supplier Relationship Management
Financial Performance Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Governance and Compliance
Data-Driven Decision Making
Commercial Negotiation Skills
Market Intelligence
Procurement Technology Proficiency
Advanced Financial Acumen
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Experience in Hard Services or Engineering Discipline

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Management Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement and team leadership, and don’t forget to showcase your strategic thinking skills!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role at JLL and how your background aligns with our mission to shape a brighter way in real estate.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams and develop successful category strategies. Numbers and results speak volumes!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at JLL

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into JLL's values and recent projects. Understanding their approach to real estate and workplace management will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Category Management Lead, you'll need to highlight your experience in building and leading high-performing teams. Prepare specific examples of how you've mentored team members and driven successful outcomes in previous roles.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems related to supply chain optimisation or category strategy development. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills, as this will showcase your strategic thinking abilities.

✨Engage with Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions about JLL’s future projects or their approach to supplier relationship management. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Category Management Lead in London
JLL
Location: London

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