Senior Category Manager (Direct Procurement)
Make the mechanical category your arena. If you’re a strategic procurement leader who thrives on complex stakeholder landscapes, this role hands you the keys to a high-impact, E2E remit—from strategy to supplier performance—across a multinational footprint.
The Impact You’ll Have:
* Set the playbook: Build and execute the regional sourcing strategy for direct mechanical categories.
* Own the table: Lead supplier selection, negotiation, and contracting across EMEA.
* Move the numbers: Deliver cost reduction, value engineering, and sustainability outcomes.
* Be the bridge: Partner tightly with Engineering, Ops, and Project teams to unlock speed and value.
* Raise the bar: Govern performance via KPIs, QBRs, compliance, and continuous improvement.
* Modernise the stack: Champion digitisation and AI in SAP, Ariba, and iCertis workflows.
What You’ll Bring:
* 7+ years in strategic sourcing/direct procurement with proven cost-saving results.
* Experience in data centre or industrial procurement environments.
* Strong commercial acumen and negotiation finesse.
* Fluency with contract management, supplier frameworks, and technical submittals.
* Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or Technology (Master’s a plus).
* A growth mindset, global outlook, and collaborative, low-ego style.
Why This Role?
* True ownership: End-to-end category leadership, shaping strategy and execution.
* Big canvas: Multinational scope with direct influence on sustainability and digitisation.
* Modern ways of working: Hybrid model—just one day a week in Paddington.
* High visibility: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with engineering and operations leadership.
Contract Details:
* Contract: PAYE
* Location: London (Hybrid, 1 day/week on-site in Paddington)
* Length: 18-month contract