Category Manager - Industrial Services and Travel & Expenses

Smiths Detection Inc; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global security technology firm is seeking a talented Category Manager for Industrial Services and Travel & Expenses. This role involves developing and executing procurement strategies to optimize cost and supplier performance. The ideal candidate will have experience in areas such as facilities management and MRO, along with strong negotiation skills. You will collaborate with various stakeholders, drive cost savings, and implement best procurement practices in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in indirect procurement categories such as facilities management, MRO, and travel.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies for Industrial Services and Travel & Expenses.
• Lead sourcing initiatives and supplier evaluations.
• Manage supplier relationships to enhance performance and compliance.

Job description

Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, helping protect people and infrastructure around the world. We're now looking for a talented Category Manager for Industrial Services & Travel & Expenses to join our growing Indirect Procurement team and drive strategic value across our global operations., As the Category Manager, you will act as the subject matter expert for a diverse and strategically critical set of indirect procurement categories, including facilities management, MRO, capex services, fleet, energy, and global travel and expense. You will be responsible for developing and delivering category strategies that optimise cost, quality, risk, and performance across multiple regions. This role partners closely with senior stakeholders across the business, ensuring Smiths Detection maximises value from its supply base while driving sustainable sourcing, supplier innovation, and risk reduction. This is a high-impact role with global reach, ideal for someone who thrives in a complex, fast-moving environment and is comfortable leading cross-functional teams without direct reports.,

• Develop and execute global and regional category strategies across Industrial Services and Travel & Expenses.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including RFIs/RFPs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract management.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment between business needs and procurement strategy.
• Drive year-on-year cost savings, value creation, and supplier-led innovation.
• Manage key supplier relationships, ensuring strong performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Identify risks, market trends, and cost drivers to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Implement best-in-class procurement processes and support the global Indirect Procurement strategy.
• Support sustainability, compliance, and governance requirements across all sourcing activity.
• Leverage group-wide spend to standardise, rationalise, and unlock additional value.