Category Manager

This is a senior individual contributor role within a global procurement function. The position is responsible for managing a complex portfolio of indirect spend, specifically focusing on Corporate Professional Services (e.g., Legal, Financial, Consultancy, HR) and Technology (e.g., SaaS, Software Licensing, IT Services, Infrastructure).

The Category Manager will develop and execute global/regional category strategies, lead end-to-end commercial negotiations, mitigate contractual risk, and manage senior stakeholder relationships across multiple business units and regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement comprehensive, data-driven category strategies for Professional Services and Technology spend pools to optimise costs and improve service delivery.
• Lead complex, cross-border sourcing initiatives (RFx processes) and drive commercial negotiations for high-value corporate contracts.
• Partner with senior global business leaders, IT directors, and corporate function heads to align procurement initiatives with wider business objectives.
• Establish KPIs, service level agreements (SLAs), and governance frameworks for key strategic vendors to ensure ongoing performance and continuous value generation.
• Collaborate with Legal, Information Security, and Data Protection (GDPR) teams to ensure all Technology and Professional Services contracts meet corporate compliance and risk standards.
• Monitor global market trends, supplier landscapes, and technology advancements to proactively identify sourcing opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks.

Requirements

• A proven track record of managing indirect procurement categories within a multinational corporate environment.
• Deep commercial knowledge of sourcing both Professional Services (consulting, contingent labour, corporate services) and Technology (SaaS, cloud architecture, software licensing agreements).
• Strong experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating commercial terms, Master Services Agreements (MSAs), and Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex spend data, build financial models, and present clear business cases to executive stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders across diverse cultural and geographic regions.
• A degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field. Professional procurement accreditation (e.g., CIPS, IIPMM, or equivalent) is highly