Procurement Category Manager
Permanent
Theale/Home – 3 days a week in Theale
We are looking for a skilled Procurement Category Manager to manage a diverse portfolio of strategic and complex procurement categories, covering both direct and indirect spend, large‑scale outsourcing agreements, and joint ventures. You will lead negotiations for new and renewal contracts, develop and implement sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure all procurement activity aligns with our governance and commercial frameworks.
This role also plays a key part in shaping negotiation strategies, embedding best practice across the organisation, and supporting capability development within the procurement team.
Key Responsibilities of the Procurement Category Manager include:
* Implement sourcing strategies using commercial contract models and templates in line with company policies.
* Lead negotiations for new and renewal agreements, ensuring alignment with service, quality, value, and risk expectations.
* Develop robust negotiation plans in partnership with business, operational, and commercial stakeholders.
* Ensure scopes of work are well‑defined with fair risk allocation.
* Apply advanced negotiation techniques and procurement best practice across all engagements.
* Manage end‑to‑end procurement processes from sourcing to contract execution and handover.
* Build collaborative working relationships to support smooth transition into supplier management.
* Ensure procurement activity is transparent, compliant, and aligned with delegated authority.
* Challenge demand and consolidate requirements to maximise value.
* Support supplier performance and commercial relationship management.
* Maintain procurement systems and databases accurately and promptly.
* Drive innovative sourcing initiatives to deliver competitive advantage.
* Provide regular procurement reporting to senior leadership.
* Conduct market and competitor assessments to optimise total cost of ownership.
* Contribute to the development of the sourcing and commercial team through guidance and knowledge sharing.
The successful Procurement Category Manager will have:
* 5–10 years’ experience leading complex commercial negotiations, including outsourcing and joint ventures.
* Strong background in end‑to‑end procurement processes.
* Experience working across multiple categories and cross‑functional teams.
* Proven ability to coach or mentor stakeholders in negotiation or procurement.
* Sector experience in telecoms, construction, FM, or utilities (desirable).
* Advanced negotiation skills and strong understanding of total cost of ownership.
* Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
* Strong organisational, governance, and process management capabilities.
* Knowledge of contract law and supplier risk management.