FM - Category Manager

Sodexo Ltd; Deutschland; Hybrid; EUR 78,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sodexo retirement plan

Discounts to over 1,900 brands

Gym discount

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Sodexo Ltd is seeking an FM Category Manager to join our procurement team in the UK. This hybrid role balances home-based work with travel to offices/sites, and leads category performance, supplier value, and commercial excellence across the UK & Ireland.

You will drive category strategies, expand international supplier coverage, and collaborate with global supply management to improve efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness in our facilities management portfolio.

Qualifications

• Experience in Buying / Category Management
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and matrix environment
• Proven track record in contract negotiation
• Strong presentation skills (verbal and written)
• Fluency in English; French/Spanish a plus (desirable)
• Travel flexibility for field work
• Experience in both goods and services procurement
• Experience in Soft Services sub-categories (Waste, Security, Cleaning, etc.)
• Experience in multi-site procurement across diverse sectors

Responsibilities

• Autonomously manage assigned categories within responsibility scope
• Build relationships with Supply Relationship Management and Business Partner teams
• Align stakeholders within the Service Operations platform
• Generate savings and increase revenues
• Improve profitability via contract optimization and alignment with global contracts
• Negotiate regional agreements for best net prices
• Maintain relationships with regional supplier network to reinforce Sodexo image
• Identify technological developments and innovations from suppliers
• Collaborate with Supply Management Finance for robust reporting of performance
• Drive category strategies and supplier value across UK & Ireland

Skills

Category Management

Multicultural matrix work

Contract negotiation

Presentation skills

English fluency

Team player / communication

Financial acumen

Travel flexibility

Goods & services procurement

Soft Services procurement

Education

Graduate calibre

CIPS/ISM in progress (desirable)

Job description

Location: Hybrid - Home based with travel to office / sites, M50 2UE

FM Category Manager to join our procurement team, responsible for driving category performance, supplier value, and commercial excellence across the UK & Ireland. Working closely with global supply management teams, you will lead the development and execution of category strategies, expand international supplier coverage, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, innovation and competitiveness. This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategic sourcing decisions, strengthen supplier partnerships, and deliver sustainable value across our Facilities Management portfolio.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit

Main Responsibilities

Category Management

• Manage autonomously the assigned categories under the scope of responsibility.
• Establish close relationship with the Supply relationship management and Business Partner teams
• Ensure a good alignment and on boarding of the key stakeholders within the Service Operations platform.
• Generate savings and increase revenues
• Improve profitability by optimising agreements and alignment with global contracts
• Negotiate regional agreements and secure best net prices
• Generate savings and improve commercial terms
• Set up, initiate and maintain professional relationships with the regional supplier network in order to :
• Reinforce the image and the credibility of Sodexo
• Identify the technological developments and innovations from the supplier base
• Working with Supply Management Finance to ensure robust reporting and measurement of the Global Supply Management performance.

The Ideal Candidate

• Experience in Buying / Category Management
• Ability in working in a multi-cultural and matrix environment
• Proven-track records in contract negotiation
• Strong presentation skills both verbally and written
• Graduate calibre and working towards CIPS/ISM or equivalent qualification (desirable)
• Team player with excellent communication and influencing skills
• Financial acumen and result orientated
• Fluency in English; French / Spanish a plus.
• Flexible for travel where required
• Experience in both goods and services procurement.
• Within Soft Services sub-categories e.g. Waste, Security, Cleaning, Washrooms, Robotics, Work wear, Laundry.
• Experience in specific Hard FM sub categories e.g. Lifts, Fire and Security, Water treatment, Electrical Wholesalers is relevant and advantageous.
• Multi-site procurement across diverse sectors such Healthcare, Public Sector, Corporate Services and Pharma.
• Experience managing catalogues
• Setting and locking product catalogues
• Cleaning consumables, Chemicals, Food disposables, Janitorial Products and MRO
• Experience negotiating with manufactures
• Forecasting and strategy development

Package Description

Competitive salary depending on experience

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater.

You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as

• Sodexo retirement plan
• discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online
• Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle
• a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice

For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity.We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves.We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.