Category Manager (Non-IT)
We are searching for an experienced Category Manager (Non-IT) at our London facility.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Role overview This is a summary of the role and their objectives
The Category Manager is responsible for end-to-end sourcing and commercial activity across defined spend areas. It supports the delivery of category and sub-category strategies, driving cost savings, managing supplier and commercial risk, and making sure procurement activity meets governance requirements.
This role delivers sourcing activity across a range of services and indirect categories, adhering to the established category strategies and commercial approaches. It supports sourcing decisions by working across multiple categories and supplier types.
The role leads complex sourcing activity, negotiations and supplier engagement. The role works closely with senior stakeholders to shape approaches, make decisions and deliver outcomes across multiple initiatives. It contributes directly to procurement performance, value delivery and risk management.
Role accountabilities What will they be delivering?
Category and sub-category strategies are applied and delivered through clear sourcing plans
Cost savings and value opportunities are identified and delivered through proactive spend and supplier management
Competitive sourcing leads to the right supplier choices, strong commercial terms and managed risk
Complex commercial negotiations successfully securing contracts that balance cost, risk and business needs
Supplier and commercial risks are identified early and addressed through sourcing and supplier decisions
Stakeholders are influenced and challenged to support clear, well-informed commercial decisions
Procurement governance is applied consistently, with the right controls, approvals and documentation in place
Procurement input supports bids and wider business initiatives, contributing to successful outcomes
Sourcing and contracts deliver ongoing value and support longer-term category and business priorities
Essential skills and experience What strengths, skills and experience are needed to do this role?
Knowledge & experience Experience delivering sourcing or category activity across defined spend areas
Understanding of category strategies and how they translate into sourcing activity
Experience running sourcing processes and supplier negotiations
Experience working with stakeholders to shape requirements and progress activity
Understanding of supplier management and contract performance
Experience managing multiple sourcing activities and keeping delivery on track
Experience delivering sourcing activity across services or indirect categories (e.g. labour, FM, HR, travel, marketing)
Proven ability to work with service-based suppliers and progressing sourcing activity end-to-end
Experience in an organisation where supplier selection is strongly driven by client demand
Attributes/qualities (soft skills) Commercially aware, able to make balanced decisions on cost, risk and value
Confident working with stakeholders to progress activity and decisions
Takes ownership of delivery and follows work through to completion
Organised and able to manage competing priorities
Willing to challenge appropriately and escalate where needed
Proactive in identifying issues and opportunities
Ability to communicate with and influence stakeholders across separate internal businesses to achieve overall optimal outcomes
Qualification(s) or technical skills Experience in procurement, category management or a related role
Strong working knowledge of sourcing processes and negotiations
Understanding of procurement governance, policy and controls
Confident using procurement systems and data to support activity
Understanding of supplier performance and contract basics
Working knowledge of services contracting models (e.g. Fixed Price, T&M, BPO)
Ability to run sourcing and negotiations for services and labour-based categories, including use of appropriate contracting models
Desirable skills and experience It would be great if they had…
MCIPS (or working towards) – preferred
Experience managing one or more of FM, HR, Travel and/or Marketing category spend
Key performance indicators How will they be measured?
Successful delivery of annual savings target
Successful delivery of annual non-savings targets
Spend portfolio meets compliance to Procurement policy targets
Positive stakeholder feedback
Key customers, people & partners Who will they interact/engage with (internal & external)
Commercial
Legal
Finance
Risk
Budget and spend owners across the organization
Third party suppliers
Required Qualifications:
<<MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS>>
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Category Manager (Non-IT) in London employer: Sopra Steria
Join a forward-thinking team at the forefront of Aerospace and Defence, where your expertise in Microsoft Sentinel and KQL will directly contribute to enhancing security measures. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and innovative projects. Located in a dynamic environment, we offer competitive benefits and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the industry.
