At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and category management across the UK & ROI.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving Quality of Life services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 20+ benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-impact leadership role with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in Buying or Category Management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Location: Remote - Stevenage
Salary: Competitive Salary
Contract: Full time 40 hours per week - (3 months FTC)
We’re looking for an experienced and commercially focused Senior Category Manager - TDDI to lead strategic sourcing and category management across the UK & ROI. This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll shape procurement strategy, strengthen supplier performance, and deliver measurable commercial value across a complex and fast-paced business environment. Working closely with regional stakeholders, global buying teams, and operational leaders, you’ll develop and implement category strategies that improve profitability, mitigate risk, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement. You’ll negotiate key regional agreements, optimise supplier relationships, and identify innovative, responsible sourcing opportunities that support both operational and commercial objectives. You’ll also lead and develop a small team of Category Managers, building capability, driving performance and ensuring best-in-class procurement practices across your categories.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead sourcing and category strategies across the UK & ROI, balancing technical, quality, and commercial requirements.
- Deliver commercial savings, improve contract performance, and optimise supplier agreements.
- Negotiate regional contracts and secure best-value pricing and commercial terms.
- Collaborate with global buying teams to align category development and sourcing strategies.
- Build strong supplier partnerships that drive innovation, service excellence, and responsible sourcing.
- Ensure compliance, due diligence, continuity planning, and risk mitigation across all categories.
- Monitor KPIs and commercial performance, partnering with Finance to ensure robust reporting.
- Support SRM/SPM activities, supplier transformation initiatives, and escalation management.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Category Managers.
Requirements
- Significant experience within Buying or Category Management, ideally within a complex, multi-site environment.
- Proven track record of delivering sourcing strategies and negotiating high-value, complex contracts.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to drive savings, improve supplier performance, and deliver measurable results.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills, with experience working across matrix and multi-cultural organisations.
- Strong leadership capability with experience managing and developing teams.
- Experience across indirect procurement categories and both goods and services procurement is highly desirable.
- CIPS, ISM, or equivalent procurement qualification preferred.
- Strong project management and organisational skills with a results-driven mindset.
- Experience within sectors such as Healthcare, Corporate Services, Public Sector, or Pharma would be advantageous.
Sodexo’s Business Support segment sits at the heart of our organisation, providing the essential services that keep our operations running smoothly and efficiently. As a central function, Business Support brings together a diverse range of specialist teams – including our technology and digital services – to deliver the systems, processes and expertise that enable Sodexo to thrive. From driving innovation to ensuring seamless administrative, commercial and operational support, the Business Support segment plays a critical role in strengthening performance across all parts of the business.
Joining this segment means becoming part of a collaborative, solutions-focused environment where your work directly contributes to the success of our people, our clients and the communities we serve. 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 a Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands online, Gym discounts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome life’s obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
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.
Senior Category Manager – TDDI (3 Month FTC) in Manchester employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where your contributions directly impact the success of our clients and communities. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer over 20 benefits including a retirement plan, gym discounts, and a 24/7 employee assistance programme, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in Stevenage for a meaningful career that values diversity and empowers you to be your best self.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager – TDDI (3 Month FTC) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people know you’re on the hunt, the better your chances of landing that Senior Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Understand their challenges and think about how you can bring value. This will help you stand out as someone who’s not just looking for a job, but genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Category Manager, you’ll need to showcase your ability to secure the best deals. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager – TDDI (3 Month FTC) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and category management, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've led teams or negotiated contracts successfully, and show us your passion for procurement.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed teams in the past and the impact it had on performance. We want to see your ability to inspire and drive results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to procurement and category management, such as cost savings achieved in previous roles or improvements in supplier performance. Be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase your ability to deliver measurable results.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team of Category Managers, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of examples where you've successfully developed team members or driven performance improvements. Highlight how you foster collaboration and innovation within your team.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Sodexo's operations and the sectors they serve, especially Healthcare, Corporate Services, and Public Sector. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their business model will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare examples of how you've handled complex negotiations or managed supplier relationships in challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
