Category Manager - Corporate Services

Suntory Beverage & Food; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Suntory Beverage & Food seeks an experienced procurement leader to drive Business Services and HR category strategies within a fast-moving, international environment. You will develop sourcing strategies, guide buyers, and strengthen supplier partnerships across multiple markets.

The role balances strategic category management with hands-on procurement activities, leading transformation and digital initiatives while ensuring compliance and risk management across a diverse supplier base.

Qualifications

• Proven procurement experience in Professional and/or HR Services categories.
• Strong track record in category strategy development and execution.
• Experience managing senior stakeholder relationships and driving day-to-day procurement activities.
• Solid understanding of source-to-pay processes and procurement systems.
• Strategic mindset with strong analytical, influencing, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for Business Services and HR categories aligned with organizational objectives.
• Drive strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier performance management to optimize cost, quality, and service.
• Support procurement transformation, including process standardization, automation, and digital procurement tools adoption.
• Provide guidance and oversight to buyers ensuring sourcing activities align with category and procurement strategies.
• Enhance stakeholder engagement across multiple markets and functions to foster collaboration and deliver value.
• Direct and oversee the work of the buying team across your categories.
• Strengthen supplier partnerships through effective contract management, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement.
• Leverage data and market insights to anticipate risks and opportunities and inform decision-making.
• Managing a diverse portfolio of Corporate Services categories with varying market dynamics and stakeholder needs.
• Balancing strategic category management with hands-on involvement in day-to-day procurement activities.
• Driving procurement transformation and digital initiatives across multiple markets and functions.
• Engaging and aligning multiple internal stakeholders with differing priorities and expectations.
• Ensuring compliance and risk management in a complex supplier environment.
• Operating in a fast-paced, international environment requiring agility and cross-cultural collaboration.

Skills

Procurement experience

Category strategy

Stakeholder management

Sourcing leadership

Analytical skills

Procurement transformation

English fluency

Job description

Who We Are

Suntory is a fast moving, agile and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nations most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world's leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe

This role can be based in GB&I or Amsterdam

About your role

The purpose of this position is: Lead Business Services and HR categories within Procurement to develop and execute category strategies, drive strategic sourcing, enhance supplier performance, support procurement transformation, and strengthen stakeholder and supplier partnerships to deliver sustainable business value.

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement category strategies for Business Services and HR categories aligned with organizational objectives.
• Drive strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier performance management to optimize cost, quality, and service.
• Support procurement transformation, including process standardization, automation, and digital procurement tools adoption.
• Provide guidance and oversight to buyers ensuring sourcing activities align with category and procurement strategies.
• Enhance stakeholder engagement across multiple markets and functions to foster collaboration and deliver value.
• Direct and oversee the work of the buying team across your categories.
• Strengthen supplier partnerships through effective contract management, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement.
• Leverage data and market insights to anticipate risks and opportunities and inform decision-making.
• Managing a diverse portfolio of Corporate Services categories with varying market dynamics and stakeholder needs.
• Balancing strategic category management with hands‑on involvement in day‑to‑day procurement activities.
• Driving procurement transformation and digital initiatives across multiple markets and functions.
• Engaging and aligning multiple internal stakeholders with differing priorities and expectations.
• Ensuring compliance and risk management in a complex supplier environment.
• Operating in a fast-paced, international environment requiring agility and cross‑cultural collaboration.

What's in it for you

Joining Suntory isn't just about taking on a role, it's about embarking on a career journey. You have the opportunity to work with talented, inspiring and authentic leaders and have the freedom to dream big and go for it (Yatte Minahare). At Suntory you'll find a supportive work environment that values work life balance and that will help you realise your full potential and grow for good. Our People and Culture team are a team that genuinely care about creating a great experience for our employees and we would love you to be part of it.

What You need to be successful

• Proven procurement experience in Professional and/or HR Services categories
• Strong track record in category strategy development and execution
• Experience managing senior stakeholder relationships and driving day‑to‑day procurement activities
• Solid understanding of source‑to‑pay processes and procurement systems
• Strategic mindset with strong analytical, influencing, and problem‑solving skills
• Experience in procurement transformation, automation, and continuous improvement
• Fluency in English

Desirable

• Knowledge of procurement platforms Ariba, Coupa or similar
• Experience with supplier risk management and supplier relationship management practices
• Experience with leveraging AI in Procurement
• Fluency in an additional European language

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, or different abilities, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.