At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic category management and drive supplier partnerships for optimal client solutions.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at LilyLifestyle in London, focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with a focus on sustainability and responsible procurement practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working with top suppliers and industry experts.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in FM procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a degree required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Role Summary
The Category Manager role sits within our UK and Ireland (UK&I) Sourcing and Procurement Team, with direct reporting to the Category Management Lead and a matrix reporting line to the EMEA Regional Category Management Lead. Operating within this dual reporting structure, the role holder will align closely with EMEA regional strategy while delivering UK and Ireland business objectives. The successful candidate will possess a proven track record of building deep market knowledge across all service lines and sectors where we currently operate, and the ability to develop Category strategies which support and facilitate the business in delivering optimal Client solutions and benefits. Additionally, this position involves developing and managing preferred suppliers while identifying opportunities to balance self-performance versus delivery through preferred supplier partners. Experience operating effectively within matrix reporting structures and balancing regional and local priorities will be essential.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
- Strategic Category Management: Serve as hard services category specialist and subject matter expert for allocated categories. Soft services experience also desirable. Develop and execute category strategies aligned with UK&I business needs and EMEA regional direction. Drive preferred supplier list consolidation, leverage economies of scale, and deliver measurable value.
- Procurement and Solution Development: Create strategic solutions for commodity and service requirements. Manage end-to-end procurement events including RFP management, bid analysis and stakeholder liaison. Lead category strategy execution and proactively identify improvement opportunities. Support new business pursuits, transitions and client renewals by defining optimal supply chain solutions.
- Financial Performance: Deliver financial targets while identifying additional value opportunities. Lead the Alliance Programme to drive supplier partnerships and achieve revenue targets. Provide monthly tracking and collaborate with finance partners. Mitigate external impacts including inflation and material shortages.
- Market Intelligence: Maintain strong facilities management market knowledge and develop category insights. Apply market intelligence to identify and qualify new suppliers. Develop comprehensive understanding of WPM UK&I self-delivery versus subcontracting strategy and create make-versus-buy scenarios.
- Supply Chain Management: Utilize supply chain analytics to assess category needs. Rationalise supply base and implement strategic supplier frameworks. Develop Supplier Relationship Management and Performance Management programmes with key partners to maximize PSL value through insights into supplier capabilities, new business pipelines, responsible procurement initiatives, innovations, and HSSE compliance. Engage stakeholders as relationship sponsors and promote PSL capabilities through targeted events and communications to drive business adoption.
- Business Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with Sourcing and Procurement, EMEA Category Management and key stakeholders across JLL. Establish a network of SMEs and integrate them into supply chain activities.
- Governance, Compliance & Reporting: Manage supplier onboarding and challenge new supplier requests where PSL coverage exists. Ensure compliance with Responsible Procurement and HSSE standards. Partner with specialist teams to deliver social value opportunities and maintain contractor compliance. Maintain current Buyers Guides and Category Dashboards. Serve as primary escalation point for Category Management enquiries. Apply ethical company standards consistently across all activities.
- WPM UK&I Self-Delivery: Partner with WPM UK&I self-delivery business to ensure the PSL effectively supports operational requirements across all business sectors (National Engineering, Hall and Kay, Integral Cooling Technologies, WPM Soft Services, etc.), working closely with sector leads to drive supplier performance, enable efficient self-delivery operations, and deliver continuous improvement aligned to business objectives.
Key Expectations
- Serve as hard services category subject matter expert and primary point of contact.
- Lead end-to-end procurement: RFPs, supplier due diligence, contract negotiation, and implementation.
- Deliver SRM and SPM programs across allocated categories to maximize PSL value.
- Achieve financial targets and Alliance Programme revenue goals through strategic supplier partnerships.
- Develop and execute category strategies with supplier summaries, market insights, and stakeholder engagement plans.
- Maintain facilities management market intelligence and identify/qualify new suppliers.
- Rationalise supply base and drive PSL consolidation to leverage economies of scale.
- Partner with WPM UK&I self-delivery operations to support business requirements.
- Drive PSL Compliance across the organization.
- Ensure compliance with Responsible Procurement and HSSE standards.
- Manage supplier onboarding and challenge unnecessary new supplier requests.
- Maintain Buyers Guides, Category Dashboards, and provide data-driven insights.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders, functional leads, SMEs, and EMEA Category Management teams.
- Provide strategic thought leadership to identify cost and operational efficiencies.
- Support new business pursuits, transitions, and client renewals with optimal supply chain solutions.
- Operate within matrix reporting structure, balancing EMEA regional and UK&I local priorities.
- Proven ability to deliver results in challenging environments.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree required; MBA or relevant Master's degree preferred.
- Certifications: Professional procurement certifications highly valued: CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), MCIPS, or equivalent.
- Previous Experience: 5+ years progressive FM procurement / category management experience. UK&I FM category management experience. Hard Services is the preference, but some Soft Services experience will also be relevant to this role. Ideally experience of working within a Hard Services or an Engineering discipline.
- Targeted Competencies: Proven supplier management capabilities encompassing commercial performance, risk mitigation, and relationship development. Demonstrated proficiency in procurement leadership, negotiation, stakeholder influence, and change management governance. Strong written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels. Excellent interpersonal and organisational abilities. Strategic supplier relationship management experience with C-suite executives and procurement leadership, including initiative presentation and buy-in. Track record of delivering measurable value, insight, and innovation. Demonstrated success delivering results in complex, fast-paced environments with competing priorities. Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively under tight deadlines. Advanced MS Office proficiency (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with CAFM systems and e-sourcing platforms preferred. Strong analytical capabilities with expertise in data analysis, reporting, and category strategy development.
Category Manager. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
At LilyLifestyle, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our London-based team enjoys a range of benefits, including professional development opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for Category Managers looking to make a meaningful impact in the procurement sector. Join us to leverage your expertise while contributing to our mission of delivering optimal client solutions across the UK and Ireland.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Personalise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Category Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you’re a perfect fit for our team.
Show Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just listing duties. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've delivered value in previous roles. We love seeing measurable results!
Apply Through Our Website:Once you're happy with your application, make sure to submit it through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
As a Category Manager, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of both hard and soft services. Research the latest trends in facilities management and be prepared to discuss how you can leverage this knowledge to develop effective category strategies that align with the company's objectives.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Highlight your experience in negotiating contracts and driving performance improvements, as well as any innovative solutions you've implemented to enhance supplier partnerships.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial performance is key in this role, come prepared with examples of how you've delivered on financial targets in previous positions. Discuss your approach to identifying value opportunities and mitigating risks, especially in challenging environments.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Building strong relationships is essential for a Category Manager. Prepare to talk about how you've engaged stakeholders across different levels and functions. Share strategies you've used to promote collaboration and ensure alignment with both regional and local priorities.
