At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead key indirect spend categories in HR and Marketing, driving value through smarter procurement.
- Company: Dynamic business focused on innovation and sustainable sourcing practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work across multicultural teams.
- Why this job: Shape sourcing strategy and influence key stakeholders in a highly visible role.
- Qualifications: 3-4 years in Buying or Category Management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a driven and commercially astute Category Manager – HR & Marketing to lead key indirect spend categories across the UK & ROI. This is an opportunity to shape sourcing strategy, challenge the status quo, and make a measurable impact across a dynamic, fast-paced business.
In this role, you’ll partner with senior stakeholders, build high-performing supplier strategies, and drive value through smarter procurement, innovation, and sustainable sourcing practices. From negotiating complex agreements to identifying new opportunities for efficiency and growth, you’ll play a central role in shaping the future of our Supply Management function.
If you thrive on ownership, influence, and delivering tangible business impact, this is your chance to step into a highly visible role with real strategic importance.
What you’ll do
- Manage key indirect categories including Marketing, HR Services, Transport, Relocation and Furniture.
- Increase preferred supplier usage and streamline the supply chain for better value.
- Drive commercial performance and efficiency across UK & ROI.
- Develop and deliver category strategies that improve quality, reduce risk and support business needs.
- Collaborate with global buying teams to implement global category initiatives locally.
- Negotiate regional agreements to secure best pricing and commercial terms.
- Build strong supplier and stakeholder relationships to drive innovation and responsible sourcing.
- Embed SRM processes to ensure supply chain performance meets operational requirements.
- Deliver savings and optimise agreements aligned with business priorities.
What you’ll bring
- Strong background in Buying, Category Management and Supply Management, with 3/4 years experience.
- Confident operating in a multicultural, matrixed environment, managing multiple stakeholders.
- Proven track record in contract negotiation and delivering strong commercial outcomes.
- Excellent written and verbal presentation skills, able to communicate clearly and persuasively.
- Collaborative team player with strong communication and influencing abilities.
- Experienced in managing complex stakeholder relationships at all levels of the business.
- Able to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships with ease.
- Highly organised, methodical and self‑motivated, able to work independently or as part of a team.
- Strong prioritisation skills, with the ability to anticipate workload demands and respond to urgent business needs.
- Financially astute and results‑driven, able to present data and outcomes in a clear, structured way.
Category Manager - HR & Marketing in Stevenage employer: Sodexo
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, where as a Category Manager – HR & Marketing, you will have the opportunity to shape sourcing strategies and drive significant business impact across the UK & ROI. Our dynamic work culture fosters professional growth, offering you the chance to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and suppliers while contributing to sustainable sourcing practices. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to excellence, we provide a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful difference in their careers.
