At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic category management and procurement for workplace services in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading company in facilities management with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Other info: Exciting career growth potential in a fast-paced, supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising supplier relationships and driving business success.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement or category management, with strong negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
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, 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 - Workplace Management. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
At our London office, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Category Manager in the UK&I Sourcing and Procurement Team, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a collaborative environment, and the chance to make a significant impact on our strategic objectives. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, we offer a unique platform for you to grow your career while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of workplace management.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Workplace Management. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the Category Manager role. Keep it concise and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Workplace Management. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and category management, especially in hard services. 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 supplier management and strategic sourcing that relate to our job description.
Showcase Your Market Knowledge:We love candidates who know their stuff! Make sure to demonstrate your understanding of the facilities management market and how you can leverage that knowledge to drive value for us at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 success in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've engaged with various stakeholders in the past, including C-suite executives. Share strategies you've used to promote collaboration and ensure alignment with both regional and local priorities.
