Hard Services Category Manager (12m FTC) in Ipswich

About The Role

Working Pattern: Mon-Fri 9:00‑5:30 / 8:30‑5:00 (12 month Fixed Term contract). 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. This includes rationalising and integrating two supply chains, consolidating spend, maximising savings delivery, strengthening PSL compliance and delivering measurable value for OCS UK & Ireland. The role is highly strategic and commercially critical, responsible for planning, executing and delivering synergy benefits, leading complex negotiations, and partnering closely with stakeholders across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a synergy focused category plan, consolidating suppliers, reducing duplication and driving rapid in‑year value creation.
• Map, analyse and integrate two legacy supply chains, identifying areas of overlap, fragmentation and inefficiency and implementing a clear roadmap toward a single, optimised supply chain.
• Drive spend toward strategic suppliers, maximising benefits, reducing complexity and improving commercial outcomes across categories within scope.
• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing, negotiation and contracting activities, ensuring speed of execution and rigorous commercial governance while supporting accelerated synergy delivery.
• Engage and manage strategic suppliers, establish performance expectations, develop KPIs and drive improvements through structured and data‑led supplier management.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers where necessary, ensuring full alignment to the integrated category strategy and steady‑state supply chain design.
• Benchmark products, services and suppliers to ensure the supply chain delivers maximum value, innovation, commercial competitiveness and ESG improvement.
• Lead supplier rationalisation, consolidating spend, reducing tail‑end suppliers and increasing PSL compliance across the newly integrated business.
• Support the development and optimisation of the preferred supply chain, including establishing fixed costs or framework agreements where appropriate.
• Act as a key point of contact for suppliers and sub‑contractors, supporting operational teams to ensure reliable service delivery and rapid resolution of issues.
• Apply strong technical procurement knowledge to manage hard FM categories within a complex facilities management service environment.

Required Qualifications

• Previous Hard FM experience.
• Category Management experience.
• E‑Sourcing experience.
• Experience negotiating rebate agreements.
• Results‑driven with a flair for negotiation.
• Proven experience managing and developing category strategies.
• Strong commercial capability.
• Strong supplier management and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven track record for delivering year‑on‑year savings and driving significant, sustainable cost reductions.
• 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.

Desirable Qualifications

• CIPS qualification (Level 4+).
• Experience using Source‑to‑Contract solutions such as Coupa.
• Experience working in the FM industry.
• An understanding of how volume‑related discounts and rebates impact EBITDA.
• Familiarity with framework agreements, call‑off terms and client flow‑down terms.

Core Expectations

• Must be able to work at pace in a fast and complex FM environment.
• Build trust and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers and remove blockers quickly.
• Be commercially astute and outcome‑focused balancing speed, delivery, accuracy, and risk.
• Operate calmly and decisively under pressure.
• Ability to operate in an extremely fast‑paced outcome‑driven environment.
• Having gravitas and the ability to communicate with clarity and confidence.
• Highly structured and detail‑oriented.
• Personal resilience and self‑belief.
• Accuracy and precision in budgeting and reporting.
• Self‑starter with the ability to work with minimal direction and supervision.
• High operating standards and levels of expectation.
• Accountable and reliable, keeping stakeholders informed.
• A data‑led decision‑maker using metrics and lessons learned to improve performance.
• Show flexibility in working arrangements to ensure that a high level of service is delivered.
• Self‑motivated and able to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Have a positive and focused attitude when dealing with all colleagues.
• Support and embed the UK & Ireland group’s corporate values.
• Can‑do attitude and promotion of a supportive culture.
• Adapt quickly to changing priorities and shifting workloads.

Key Performance Indicators

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people, please register your interest. We also offer job alerts which will notify you when other suitable vacancies become available.