Job Title: Category Manager
Reports to: Senior Category Head / Category Head
Location: London
Rate: c£675-700 per day
What you’ll do
As a Sourcing Manager, you’ll play a key role in delivering our Procurement & Supply Chain strategy, helping the business get the best value from our supplier partnerships. You’ll take ownership of a defined category, shaping sourcing strategies, leading commercial activity, and building strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.
This is a great opportunity to combine commercial thinking, strategic sourcing, and stakeholder engagement to drive real business outcomes.
Key responsibilities
Shape category strategy
* Develop and deliver sourcing and category strategies that support business goals
* Identify opportunities to drive value, innovation, and continuous improvement
Lead sourcing activity
* Manage end-to-end sourcing processes (RFPs, negotiations, supplier selection and contracting)
* Ensure all activity aligns with procurement policies and governance standards
Manage supplier relationships & contracts
* Negotiate contracts that maximise value while managing risk
* Support supplier onboarding, transitions, and ongoing performance management
* Resolve supplier issues and ensure strong, collaborative relationships
Drive implementation
* Support the delivery and embedding of sourcing strategies into business operations
* Lead on change requests and ensure smooth implementation of commercial decisions
Partner with stakeholders
* Build trusted relationships across the business
* Use insight and influence to support decision-making and deliver the best outcomes
Plan for the future
* Understand business needs over the short to medium term (1–3 years)
* Align category strategies to future priorities and demand
Work efficiently and consistently
* Use procurement systems and tools effectively
* Deliver work in line with agreed processes and standards
Deliver projects and change
* Lead procurement projects from planning through to delivery
* Support and embed change across stakeholders and suppliers
Be a role model
* Share best practice and support continuous improvement
* Demonstrate strong collaboration, integrity, and commercial mindset
What you’ll manage
* Category spend: Around £40m
* Supplier base: Approximately 20 suppliers
What we’re looking for
* Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
* Experience in sourcing, procurement, or category management
* Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
* Clear and confident communication skills
* Analytical thinking and problem-solving capability
* A collaborative mindset with a focus on delivering results
* Experience managing projects and driving change
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