Global Category Manager – Indirect Procurement

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement global category strategies that align with business objectives.

• Create and execute supplier relationship management strategies for key suppliers.

• Deliver global and multi-regional sourcing programs from strategy to implementation.

• Drive initiatives focused on cost reduction, value creation, and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to challenge demand, influence specifications, and enhance commercial results.

• Manage supplier, commercial, and operational risks within the category portfolio.

• Lead cross-functional sourcing and category teams across various regions.

• Negotiate complex global contracts and supplier partnerships.

• Advocate for procurement best practices and support broader procurement transformation initiatives.

• Assist in capability development, integration projects, and other strategic business efforts.

• Lead and nurture direct reports when applicable.

• Report to the Head of Indirect Procurement, initially under the Procurement Project Lead.

• Oversee global and multi-regional category strategies across spend portfolios ranging from £40 million to £80 million.

⛳️ Requirements

• 8-10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier relationship management.

• Demonstrated success in managing significant indirect spending within complex global organizations.

• Experience in leading large-scale sourcing, transformation, or change programs.

• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capabilities.

• Advanced stakeholder management experience in matrix organizations.

• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive change across multiple regions.

• Strong analytical skills and a solutions-oriented mindset.

• Familiarity with procurement systems, spend analytics, eSourcing, and contract management tools.

• Exposure to AI-enabled procurement tools will be considered a plus.

• IT & Professional Services: Several years of experience managing global IT and professional services categories; experience working in large, geographically diverse organizations; ability to collaborate closely with corporate and head office stakeholders.

• Logistics & Packaging: Extensive category management experience in logistics spend; robust knowledge of freight operations including road, air, sea, warehousing, customs, and 3PL/4PL providers; packaging category experience is advantageous; ideally based in Eastern North America, although other locations will also be considered.

• Utilities, Travel & Fleet: Significant utilities category management experience across both European and North American markets; experience managing energy procurement, utilities contracts, and associated risk strategies; knowledge of travel and fleet categories is a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

• An opportunity to influence and shape a growing global procurement function.

• Exposure to complex international sourcing and supplier management challenges.

• A highly visible role with significant influence throughout the organization.

• Real potential to create impact and drive long-term change.

• Future leadership and advancement opportunities within procurement.

• Flexible location options across the UK, Europe, or North America based on category focus.