Category Manager

Talent Solutions RPO; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Hybrid work model

Benefits package

Job summary

Talent Solutions RPO in Birmingham, hybrid Category Manager role leading indirect spend across IT, HR, facilities and professional services, shaping procurement strategy and delivering cost savings. You will own end-to-end tenders, negotiate contracts, build long-term supplier partnerships and lead supplier performance reviews with KPIs to maximise value and minimise risk.

This role offers a hybrid working pattern in Birmingham, with a competitive package and clear opportunities to influence

Qualifications

• Experience managing indirect procurement categories across IT, HR, Facilities, Professional Services or similar.
• Proven tendering and supplier negotiations, including complex supplier evaluations.
• Strong contract management and supplier relationship management experience.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Manufacturing, FMCG or industrial experience advantageous.
• MCIPS desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies across indirect spend categories.
• Lead end-to-end tendering activities: RFIs, RFQs, ITTs; supplier evaluations, negotiations, contracts.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships; drive performance, innovation, continuous improvement.
• Negotiate commercial agreements to achieve cost savings, improve service levels and minimise risk.
• Develop and execute category plans aligned with business objectives.
• Identify new sourcing opportunities and suppliers to support growth.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and provide strategic procurement support.
• Monitor supplier performance via KPIs, contract reviews and business reviews.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with policies, governance and contracts.
• Support wider procurement initiatives delivering value across the organisation.

Skills

Procurement management

Category management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Contract management

Education

MCIPS qualification

Job description

Category Manager (25130) Birmingham, England

CategoryManager

Location:Birmingham – Hybrid

Salary:£60,000 + £6,000 Car Allowance + Benefits

About the Role

An industry-leading manufacturer is looking to appoint an experiencedCategoryManager to lead the sourcing and management of key indirect spend categories, including IT, HR, Professional Services, Facilities, and Factory Services.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of procurement strategy across multiple business functions, driving cost savings, supplier performance, and value creation while supporting the wider business through strategic sourcing initiatives. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will lead end-to-end procurement activities, develop category strategies, manage complex tenders, and build long-term supplier partnerships that deliver commercial and operational benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies across a range of indirect spend categories.
• Lead end-to-end tendering activities, including RFIs, RFQs, ITTs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract awards.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Negotiate commercial agreements to achieve cost savings, improve service levels, and minimise risk.
• Develop and execute category plans aligned with business objectives.
• Identify new sourcing opportunities and suppliers to support business growth and operational excellence.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and provide strategic procurement support.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs, contract reviews, and regular business reviews.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, governance, and contractual obligations.
• Support and influence wider procurement initiatives, delivering value across the organisation.

About You

You'll be an experienced procurement professional with a proven track record of managing indirect procurement categories and delivering successful sourcing strategies. You will be commercially minded, confident leading negotiations, and capable of building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders alike.

You'll enjoy working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and be motivated by identifying opportunities to improve cost, quality, and supplier performance.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in aProcurement Manager, Category Manager, Senior Buyer, Strategic Buyer, or similarrole.
• Strong experience managing indirect procurement categories such as IT, HR, Facilities, Professional Services, or Factory Services.
• Demonstrable experience leading complex tender processes and supplier negotiations.
• Strong contract management and supplier relationship management experience.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Commercially focused with strong analytical and negotiation abilities.
• Experience within manufacturing, FMCG, or an industrial environment would be advantageous.
• MCIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS is desirable but not essential.

What's on Offer

This is an opportunity to join a well-established business with an excellent reputation for innovation, quality, and employee development. You'll have the autonomy to influence procurement strategy, lead high-value sourcing projects, and play a key role in delivering commercial value across the organisation.