Category Manager – Hard FM
Location: remote with travel
Salary: £600 per day (Inside 35)
6 month contract with further extensions
About the Role
Our client are seeking an experienced Category Manager – Hard FM to lead sourcing, tendering, and supplier management initiatives that deliver compliance, efficiency, and long-term value.
You’ll manage supplier performance, lead procurement projects, and work closely with key stakeholders across the UK & Ireland to align category strategies with organisational goals.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and deliver Hard FM category strategies that drive value and performance.
* Lead tendering and sourcing activity, ensuring robust due diligence and governance.
* Optimise supplier performance and embed continuous improvement.
* Conduct market benchmarking to maintain competitiveness and best practice.
* Ensure full contractual and legal compliance, including risk assessments and documentation.
* Provide spend and performance analysis to support strategic decisions.
* Collaborate across category, finance, and operational teams to align objectives.
* Support income, aged debt, and rebate management activities.
Experience & Skills
* 5–7 years’ experience in buying or category management within Hard FM.
* Skilled in procurement tenders, supplier management, and contract implementation.
* Strong Excel and analytical skills; confident presenting data and insights.
* Proven ability to work in a matrix, multicultural environment.
* Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
* Graduate calibre, ideally working towards CIPS / ISM or equivalent.
* Commercially focused with solid financial acumen.
Desirable Hard FM Experience
* Deep-dive reviews on FM accounts.
* Category experience in Lifts, Fire & Security, Water Treatment, Electrical Wholesalers, etc.
* Managing Hard FM subcontractors.
* Understanding of Construction and Civils project procurement.
This is an opportunity to make a real impact — shaping category strategy, improving supplier performance, and driving value across a critical Hard FM portfolio. They offer a collaborative culture, professional development, and the chance to influence procurement across the UK & Ireland.