Senior Category Manager (Non-IT)
We are searching for an experienced Senior 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 Senior Category Manager leads sourcing and commercial strategy across one or more critical spend areas. With deep expertise and ownership of outcomes in at least one key category and/or sub-category, the role sets and delivers long-term strategies by leading complex and high-value sourcing and negotiations to drive cost optimisation, manage risk and deliver sustainable value.
Acting as the subject matter expert for one or more defined indirect spend categories (e.g. third party labour, FM, HR or Marketing), this role shapes sourcing approach and commercial models. It guides decisions on sourcing, applying expertise in contracting structures and supplier operating models.
They act as a trusted commercial advisor to senior stakeholders, shaping demand, influencing spend decisions and ensuring supplier approaches and commercial models support business priorities and regulatory requirements
Role accountabilities What will they be delivering?
Long-term category and/or sub-category strategies are in place and delivered in line with business priorities and market conditions
Cost optimisation and value targets are achieved across critical spend areas
High-value sourcing and negotiations result in strong commercial terms and managed risk
Supplier relationships deliver improved performance, resilience and compliance over time
Commercial and supply risks, including regulatory requirements, are identified early and effectively managed
Senior stakeholders are influenced and guided on category strategy and commercial decisions
Third-party spend is directed in line with agreed commercial and business priorities
Procurement is recognised as a trusted partner in shaping commercial decisions and outcomes
Essential skills and experience What strengths, skills and experience are needed to do this role?
Knowledge & experience Experience managing category or sourcing activity across defined spend areas
Track record of delivering sourcing outcomes, including cost, value and risk
Experience leading complex sourcing activity and supplier negotiations
Understanding of category strategy development and how it translates into sourcing plans
Experience working with senior stakeholders to shape requirements and decisions
Experience managing supplier relationships and performance over time
Experience in an organisation where supplier selection is strongly driven by client demand
Leads sourcing and category activity within one or more defined non-IT areas, with broader exposure across other categories
Strong track record of managing services spend, including supplier delivery models and labour-based services
Attributes/qualities (soft skills) Commercially minded, able to balance cost, risk and value in decision-making
Confident working with and influencing stakeholders
Takes ownership of outcomes and follows through to delivery
Able to challenge constructively and guide decisions
Organised and able to manage multiple initiatives at once
Proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing risks
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 commercial role
Strong commercial awareness, including negotiations and contract terms
Good understanding of procurement governance, policy and risk management
Confident using procurement systems, data and reporting to support decisions
Understanding of supplier management and performance measures
Strong understanding of services contracting models (e.g. Fixed Price, T&M, BPO)
Understanding of resource operating models, including offshoring/right-shoring and associated regulatory and employment risks
Ability to lead complex services sourcing and negotiations within defined category scope
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.
Senior 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.
