Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead category management initiatives and drive strategic value through procurement excellence.
Reporting into the Strategic Sourcing Director, this role combines strategic thinking with operational execution to optimize organizational spend, manage supplier relationships, and support business objectives through data-driven category strategies.
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Category Management
1. Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives and organizational priorities
2. Conduct detailed category analysis including spend analysis, market research, and supplier landscape assessment
3. Create 3-5 year category roadmaps with clear milestones, deliverables, and value creation opportunities
4. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure stakeholder alignment and successful strategy implementation
5. Monitor category performance against KPIs and adjust strategies based on market dynamics and business needs
Sourcing & Supplier Management
6. Execute end-to-end strategic sourcing processes including RFx development, supplier evaluation, and contract negotiation
7. Build and maintain a robust supplier portfolio through market analysis and supplier capability assessment
8. Develop supplier relationship management strategies to optimize performance, innovation, and risk mitigation
9. Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and implement improvement plans where necessary
10. Lead supplier development initiatives to enhance capability and drive continuous improvement
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
11. Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into procurement strategies
12. Influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams to drive adoption of category strategies
13. Facilitate stakeholder workshops and category review meetings to ensure alignment and buy-in
14. Provide expert procurement guidance and support to business units within assigned categories
15. Build strong internal and external relationships to enable successful category outcomes
Financial & Commercial Management
16. Deliver measurable cost savings and value creation through strategic sourcing initiatives
17. Develop total cost of ownership models and business cases for sourcing decisions
18. Negotiate complex commercial terms and conditions to optimize value while managing risk
19. Track and report on category financial performance, savings delivery, and budget compliance
20. Support budget planning processes with market intelligence and cost forecasting
Risk Management & Compliance
21. Identify, assess, and mitigate category-specific risks including supply chain, financial, and operational risks
22. Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
23. Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to maintain business continuity
24. Conduct supplier due diligence and ongoing risk monitoring activities
25. Implement sustainable procurement practices and ESG considerations within category strategies
Data Analysis & Market Intelligence
26. Analyse complex spend data to identify opportunities for consolidation, standardization, and optimization
27. Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform sourcing strategies
28. Develop category insights and recommendations based on data analysis and market trends
29. Create comprehensive reports and presentations for senior leadership and stakeholders
30. Maintain category knowledge base and share best practices across the procurement organization
Skills and Behaviours Required
31. Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop long-term category strategies aligned with business objectives
32. Commercial Acumen: Strong negotiation skills and understanding of commercial terms and conditions
33. Stakeholder Management: Excellent relationship building and influencing skills across all organizational levels
34. Analytical Mindset: Data-driven approach to decision making with strong problem-solving capabilities
35. Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to senior leadership
36. Project Management: Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously with competing priorities
Qualifications
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
37. Robust and demonstrable experience of procurement or category management across a variety of categories
38. Proven track record of delivering measurable savings and value through strategic sourcing
39. Experience managing complex, high-value categories with multiple stakeholders across several geographic locations
40. Demonstrated success in supplier relationship management and contract negotiation
41. Experience working in a matrix organization with cross-functional teams
42. Proficiency in procurement systems (e-sourcing platforms, contract management systems)
43. CIPS qualification Level 4 or equivalent professional certification
Desirable
44. Strong analytical skills with experience in spend analysis tools and data visualization within Excel and Power BI
45. CIPS qualification Level 6 or equivalent professional certification
46. Additional certifications such as LSS, CPSM, CPM, or PMP
47. Experience in media publishing or similar B2C industries
Additional Information
* Please note you must have the right to live and work in the UK to be considered for this role *
Location: We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at conference – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.
The successful candidate will be able to utilise our balanced working model. We ask that candidates live within a commutable distance of our offices in Milton Park, Oxfordshire to ensure that as a balanced worker they can make it to our office locations to collaborate as required. There is an expectation for a minimum of 3 days per week in-person time.
Closing Date: Applications will close on 18th March 2026
What we offer in return:
48. An excellent work/life balance with a fantastic, flexible working culture
49. 25 days annual leave per year plus a day off for your birthday
50. 3 additional discretionary days off during the holiday season at the end of the year
51. 4 paid volunteering days each year
52. Company funded single cover private medical insurance
53. Employee assistance programme – offering 24/7 well-being support
54. Share Match – Plan that matches every share purchased with two free shares.
55. Pension scheme
56. Life assurance, plus optical and medical care
Being Yourself at Taylor & Francis
If you’re excited about working with Taylor & Francis to foster human progress through knowledge, we invite you to apply even if your existing skills and experience don’t fit every item listed above. At Taylor & Francis, we are at our best and most successful when colleagues can be themselves and make a contribution regardless of their identity or background. As a colleague, you will have the opportunity to further innovate and develop in areas that you are passionate about. Our goal is to empower you with the resources, incentives, and flexibility you need to enjoy success at work and to live a healthy, balanced life.