At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and category management across the UK & ROI.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in essential services with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping procurement strategies and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in Buying or Category Management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Senior Category Manager – TDDI (3 Month FTC) in Stevenage employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and solutions-focused work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team while driving strategic sourcing initiatives that deliver tangible commercial value. Located in the UK & ROI, Sodexo offers a dynamic environment where innovation thrives, and your contributions directly impact the success of our clients and communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager – TDDI (3 Month FTC) in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Senior Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like supplier performance and commercial savings.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you’ve led teams before, be sure to highlight your ability to develop talent and drive performance. Companies love candidates who can inspire and manage others effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager – TDDI (3 Month FTC) in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in sourcing and category management, especially in complex environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how you’ve driven commercial value in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed teams and driven performance in the past. We love seeing strong leaders who can inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 KPIs you've successfully monitored. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show that you understand the financial impact of your decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team of Category Managers, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've developed and motivated teams in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as any training or mentoring initiatives you've implemented. This will highlight your leadership capability.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might encounter in the role, such as negotiating a difficult contract or managing supplier relationships. Outline your thought process and the steps you would take to address these situations.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Sodexo’s Business Support segment and its values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their collaborative, solutions-focused environment. Showing that you understand and appreciate the company culture will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also a good fit.
