At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic projects in Hard Services and drive cost-saving initiatives.
- Company: Join OCS UK & Ireland, a top facilities management company with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible pay, digital learning, and exclusive retail perks.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in Hard FM and category management is essential.
Hard Services Category Manager
Hybrid Working - Access Required To London / Ipswich
Reporting to the Head of Hard FM Procurement, the Hard Services Category Manager will take strategic and commercial ownership of selected categories and projects within Hard Services, with particular responsibility for synergy identification and delivery following a recent acquisition.
About The Role
This includes rationalising and integrating two supply chains, consolidating spend, maximising savings delivery, strengthening PSL compliance and delivering measurable value for OCS UK & Ireland.
This is a highly strategic and commercially critical role, responsible for planning, executing and delivering synergy benefits, leading complex negotiations, and partnering closely with stakeholders across the business. The Category Manager will be expected to provide insight, challenge assumptions, influence senior stakeholders and help shape the long-term direction of Hard Services Procurement.
Qualifications and experience
- Previous Hard FM experience.
- Category Management experience
- E-Sourcing experience.
- Used to working with and negotiating Rebate agreements.
- Proven experience managing and developing category strategies
- Proven track record for delivering year-on-year savings and driving significant, sustainable cost reductions.
- Familiarity with framework agreements, call-off terms and client flow-down terms
- CIPS qualification (Level 4+).
- Experience using Source to Contract Solutions such as Coupa
Skills and approach
- Results driven with a flair for negotiation.
- Strong commercial capability
- Strong supplier management and stakeholder engagement
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Operational discipline, including audit trails, version control and clear governance.
- Ability to challenge stakeholders constructively
- A strong team player with the ability to work in a cross-functional team
- Proficient in Microsoft Tools (PowerPoint, Word and Intermediate Level Excel)
- Comfortable working with data and dashboards
- Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- High level of integrity and dependability.
- Proactive, detail-oriented and solution focused
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- An understanding of how volume related discounts and rebates impact EBITDA
Key performance indicators
Performance targets will be set and reviewed quarterly, taking into consideration pipeline volume and maturity of supply chain and overall procurement targets.
- In-Year synergy value delivered within 12 months
- Supplier rationalisation (% of spend moved / # of suppliers exited)
- % of spend directed to preferred suppliers
- Positive Stakeholder feedback
About The Company
OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.
Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.
Why Work for OCS?
- Award-Winning Employer : Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.
- Digital Learning : The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.
- Retail Perks With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.
- Professional Growth : 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!
- Flexible Pay : Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)
We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Hard Services Category Manager employer: OCS
OCS is an excellent employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture in Bristol. With opportunities for personal growth and development, you will be part of a dedicated team that prioritises customer satisfaction and teamwork, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hard Services Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Hard Services Category Manager at OCS!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like OCS or be willing to refer you for that Hard Services Category Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from OCS who’s on the lookout for their next Hard Services Category Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Hard Services Category Manager role at OCS!
We think you need these skills to ace Hard Services Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at OCS. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCS
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at OCS. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
