At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for Property & Facilities Management, driving innovation and cost savings.
- Company: Join a well-known organisation transforming its procurement function.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and excellent career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and sustainability initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on key business projects and influence decision-making.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement and facilities management with strong stakeholder skills.
A well-known organisation that is transforming their procurement function.
As a Category Manager - Property & Facilities Management, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering procurement strategy across a substantial Property & FM spend portfolio. Working closely with senior stakeholders across Property, Estates, Construction, Store Development and wider business functions, you will drive commercial excellence through strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract optimisation and cost transformation initiatives. This is a highly visible role that offers significant exposure to key business projects, giving you the opportunity to influence decision-making and deliver measurable value across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities- Category Strategy & Procurement Leadership: Develop and implement end-to-end category strategies across Property & Facilities Management spend areas. Create long-term sourcing plans that align with operational and business objectives. Identify opportunities to drive innovation, efficiency and supplier-led improvements. Take ownership of category performance and procurement outcomes.
- Cost Transformation & Value Creation: Deliver sustainable cost savings and value creation initiatives. Drive working capital improvements and commercial efficiencies. Support major investment projects with procurement expertise and market insight. Utilise data and market intelligence to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
- Strategic Stakeholder Management: Build trusted relationships with senior business leaders and operational stakeholders. Collaborate with Property, Estates, Facilities, Construction and Development teams. Challenge and influence stakeholders to ensure best-value procurement decisions. Act as a strategic business partner rather than simply a procurement function.
- Strategic Sourcing, Tendering & Supplier Management: Lead complex tenders and sourcing projects from strategy through to implementation. Develop and manage key supplier relationships to maximise performance and value. Negotiate commercial agreements and contractual arrangements. Drive supplier innovation, service improvements and performance management programmes. Ensure robust contract management and supplier governance.
- Sustainability, Risk & Governance: Embed sustainability and responsible sourcing principles into procurement activities. Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance frameworks and financial controls. Support supplier risk management and business continuity planning. Maintain high standards of ethical procurement and corporate responsibility.
We’re keen to speak with procurement professionals who combine strong commercial acumen with excellent stakeholder management skills.
Essential Experience- Proven experience within Procurement, Category Management, Strategic Sourcing or Commercial Contract Management.
- BOTH Procurement and FM Previous responsibility for Property, Facilities Management, Estates, Construction, Building Services, Workplace or Corporate Services spend categories.
- Track record of delivering cost savings, commercial value and supplier performance improvements.
- Experience leading strategic sourcing exercises, RFQs, RFPs and tender processes.
- Strong supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability.
- Confident working with both operational teams and senior leadership.
- Comfortable navigating complex and fast-paced business environments.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- CIPS qualification or working towards.
- Experience within retail, property, FM, construction, infrastructure or large corporate environments.
- Understanding of sustainability and ESG requirements within supply chains.
- Competitive base salary + car allowance
- Annual performance-related bonus
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Generous pension scheme
- Employee discount programme
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Excellent career progression opportunities
Please only apply if you have both procurement/category manager and facilities management experience and can commute to Leeds. If you’re interested in this role, apply now.
Senior Category Manager - Property- Facilities Management in Leeds employer: Michael Page
At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - Property- Facilities Management in Leeds
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Michael Page.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager - Property- Facilities Management in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Michael Page:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Michael Page.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Michael Page!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Michael Page. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Michael Page's culture.