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- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for Industrial Services and Travel & Expenses, optimising cost and performance.
- Company: Smiths Detection, a global leader in security technology, making the world safer.
- Benefits: Career growth opportunities, inclusive environment, flexible benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to safety and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Join a high-impact role with global reach, driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect procurement and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, helping protect people and infrastructure around the world. We're now looking for a talented Category Manager for Industrial Services & Travel & Expenses to join our growing Indirect Procurement team and drive strategic value across our global operations.
About the Role
As the Category Manager, you will act as the subject matter expert for a diverse and strategically critical set of indirect procurement categories, including facilities management, MRO, capex services, fleet, energy, and global travel and expense. You will be responsible for developing and delivering category strategies that optimise cost, quality, risk, and performance across multiple regions. This role partners closely with senior stakeholders across the business, ensuring Smiths Detection maximises value from its supply base while driving sustainable sourcing, supplier innovation, and risk reduction. This is a high-impact role with global reach, ideal for someone who thrives in a complex, fast-moving environment and is comfortable leading cross-functional teams without direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute global and regional category strategies across Industrial Services and Travel & Expenses.
- Lead sourcing initiatives, including RFIs/RFPs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract management.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment between business needs and procurement strategy.
- Drive year-on-year cost savings, value creation, and supplier-led innovation.
- Manage key supplier relationships, ensuring strong performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Identify risks, market trends, and cost drivers to inform strategy and decision-making.
- Implement best-in-class procurement processes and support the global Indirect Procurement strategy.
- Support sustainability, compliance, and governance requirements across all sourcing activity.
- Leverage group-wide spend to standardise, rationalise, and unlock additional value.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in indirect procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, or supplier management within Facilities Management, Maintenance, Repair, Operations, Energy, Fleet Management.
- Strong knowledge of sourcing processes, contract management, and SRM methodologies.
- Experience working in a complex, global environment.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Strong commercial awareness, analytical skills, and a results-driven mindset.
- Experience with e-sourcing, spend analytics, and savings-tracking tools.
- A proactive, resilient, and collaborative approach with strong communication skills.
- Ability to think long-term and understand emerging supply market trends.
Additional Information
Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective. Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
Category Manager - Industrial Services and Travel & Expenses Other - Smiths Detection - Hemel H[...] in London employer: Smiths Group plc.
Contact Detail:
Smiths Group plc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Industrial Services and Travel & Expenses Other - Smiths Detection - Hemel H[...] in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at Smiths Detection. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent projects and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making the world a safer place with Smiths Detection.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Category Manager. We want to hear how you can drive value and innovation in procurement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show us that you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Industrial Services and Travel & Expenses Other - Smiths Detection - Hemel H[...] in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in indirect procurement and how it aligns with our needs at Smiths Detection. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of cost savings or supplier innovations you've achieved in previous roles. This will help us understand the impact you can make in our global operations.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what’s relevant to the role. This will make it easier for us to see your potential fit within our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Group plc.
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing, like facilities management and travel expenses. Understand the latest trends and challenges in these areas, as well as how they relate to Smiths Detection's mission of safety and security.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in building strong relationships with stakeholders. Think about times when you influenced decisions or aligned procurement strategies with business needs, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
Be ready to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used data to drive cost savings and value creation in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you've identified market trends or cost drivers that informed your strategies.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Resilience
Smiths Detection values a collaborative approach, so share stories that showcase your teamwork and resilience in complex environments. Highlight how you've led cross-functional teams and navigated challenges without direct authority.