Category Manager in Norfolk

Category Manager – Professional ServicesMarket Drayton Are you an experienced Category Manager who enjoys getting under the skin of a business, challenging established thinking and turning procurement strategy into measurable results?We’re looking for a Category Manager – Professional Services to join our Indirect Procurement team and take ownership of an important area of spend.This isn't a role where you'll simply develop a category strategy and hand it over. You'll work across the full procurement lifecycle, combining strategic category management with hands-on delivery, from identifying opportunities and shaping sourcing strategies through to negotiation, contracting, implementation and ongoing supplier performance. What you'll be doingYou'll take ownership of your category, developing and delivering strategies that create value beyond traditional cost savings.Working closely with senior stakeholders across areas including HR, Finance and Legal, you'll build a strong understanding of business requirements and use market insight, commercial expertise and data to influence decisions and identify opportunities. You'll also:Develop and implement end-to-end category and sourcing strategiesLead complex sourcing activity and commercial negotiationsBuild strong relationships with senior stakeholders, operating as a trusted procurement partnerUse supplier-market insight, data, pricing models and cost drivers to identify opportunities and support commercial decisionsStructure and optimise commercial agreements, working closely with Legal and other stakeholdersManage supplier relationships, performance and commercial outcomesIdentify opportunities to improve processes and ways of workingSupport procurement transformation, including increased use of digital procurement tools and automationRemain involved through implementation and delivery, ensuring strategies translate into measurable business outcomes.What we're looking forWe're looking for an established Category Manager with strong experience across Indirect Procurement.Experience within Professional Services or HR Services would be particularly relevant, including areas such as staffing, MSP, consulting or wider HR-related services. However, we're also interested in strong Category Managers from other complex indirect categories who can demonstrate transferable commercial expertise. You'll bring:Strong experience developing and executing category strategiesA commercial mindset and good understanding of supplier markets, pricing models and cost driversExperience leading complex sourcing activities and negotiationsStrong contract structuring and commercial management capabilityThe credibility to influence, challenge and partner with senior stakeholdersThe ability to use data and market insight to support decisions and turn analysis into actionExperience across end-to-end procurement processes, including Source-to-Contract and Procure-to-PayA track record of delivering measurable value and business impact, not simply cost savingsThe ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on executionExperience of procurement technology such as SAP and/or Ariba, alongside an interest in process improvement and procurement transformation. Experience within FMCG, pharmaceuticals or procurement consulting would be beneficial, but isn't essential. Marketing category experience could also be useful. What will make you successfulYou'll be comfortable taking ownership rather than waiting for direction. You'll be able to move between strategy and operational delivery, challenge constructively and bring new thinking into the business.Just as importantly, you'll understand that great procurement isn't only about achieving a saving. It's about making commercially sound decisions, managing risk, improving supplier performance and creating sustainable value for the wider business.BenefitsIn return for your commitment, drive and enthusiasm, we offer our employees numerous benefits as part of your employment, including:Bonus scheme of up to 10%Contributory pension plan – up to 8% matchedLife Assurance x4 salary Private healthcare cover Employee Assistance Programme25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, increasing with service.Holiday buy/sell programme Flexible benefits programmeIn addition, our employees have access to a Rewards Benefits Programme, giving you a range of discounts across 800 retailers online and in store#hiringYou can find out more about Müller and what it’s like to work for us by clicking here Careers at Müller UK & Ireland