At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement and category management for Facilities Management services across the UK & Ireland.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving Quality of Life services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20+ benefits, remote work options, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and offering support for all employees.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a dynamic environment with real impact on sustainability and savings.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial awareness, analytical skills, and a passion for results; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Junior Category Manager
Salary
Competitive
Build your career in Procurement & Supply Management with Sodexo.
We're seeking a proactive Junior Category Manager to support the procurement and category management of Facilities Management (FM) services and products across the UK & Ireland.
Working closely with stakeholders and suppliers, you'll help deliver category strategies, generate sustainable savings, and contribute to the effective management of FM-related spend while ensuring quality, compliance, and value for our customers.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong commercial awareness, excellent relationship-building skills, and a passion for achieving results.
Previous procurement experience is not essential, making this an ideal role for someone looking to develop their career in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- What You'll Be Doing - is for FM
- Supporting the management and development of assigned procurement categories.
- Working with suppliers and stakeholders to deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Identifying opportunities to generate savings, improve efficiencies, and increase commercial value.
- Supporting supplier negotiations to secure competitive pricing, rebates, and contract terms.
- Managing and maintaining supplier framework agreements and commercial documentation.
- Monitoring supplier performance and helping to drive continuous improvement.
- Supporting the management of products and services within procurement systems, ensuring data accuracy and compliance.
- Analysing spend, supplier, and product data to identify trends and opportunities.
- Collaborating with Finance and Supply Management teams to support reporting and performance tracking.
- Working with global procurement teams to implement and align supplier contracts across the UK & Ireland.
- Building strong relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and business partners across multiple functions.
- Keeping up to date with market trends, innovations, and supplier developments to help deliver best-value solutions.
What We're Looking For
We're open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds. While procurement or supply management experience may be beneficial, it's not essential.
You'll bring
- Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
- A passion for delivering results and exceeding expectations.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Teams.
- Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
- The ability to interpret and analyse data to support decision-making.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Confidence presenting to internal and external stakeholders.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to build trusted relationships quickly.
- A strategic mindset combined with a hands-on approach.
- Ambition to build a long-term career within Procurement and Supply Management.
- The ability to work independently and effectively in a remote working environment.
- Experience with Power BI would be advantageous but is not essential.
- Previous experience supporting FM-related categories is preferred but not essential.
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater.
You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way.
In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.
For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.
About The Company
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.
As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.
We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity.
We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves.
We recognise that we're on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.
We're a Disability Confident Leader employer.
We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.
We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
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Junior Category Manager employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an excellent employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees and the community, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and customer service excellence are at the forefront. With flexible hours, comprehensive benefits including the Blue Light Card, and opportunities for personal growth within the healthcare sector, working as a Subway Sandwich Artist at Royal Stoke Hospital allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career in a vibrant environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Category Manager
✨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 Sodexo.
✨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 Junior Category Manager
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 Sodexo:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sodexo. 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 Sodexo.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨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 Sodexo!
✨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 Sodexo. 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 Sodexo's culture.
