Category Manager - IT/Telecoms & Centralised Servic

Smiths Group; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Smiths Group as a procurement specialist, where you'll lead sourcing strategies for IT & Telecom. Your role will involve engaging stakeholders, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost savings. Enjoy a range of career growth opportunities within an inclusive work environment focused on safety and wellbeing.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Flexible benefits

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Proven end-to-end procurement project leadership.
• Strong analytical and strategic skills.
• Experience in Supplier Relationship Management.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing strategies and category management.
• Engage stakeholders for product/service specifications.
• Ensure value for money and supplier performance.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Contract negotiation

Education

Experience in procurement

Tools

e-sourcing platforms

spend analytics tools

Job description

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Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection's threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

To provide procurement category subject matter expertise, to develop and implement Procurement category strategies that will deliver sustainable competitive advantage Globally/Regionally within the specific category, through:

• • Engaging with Stakeholders to develop most relevant product/service specifications
  • Designing and deploying category and sourcing strategies that align to the business and divisional strategies and requirements
  • Delivering sustainable competitive through the effective sourcing and spend management of the within the categories
  • Minimising Detection risk exposure within the category
  • Utilising best in class procurement practices.
  • Promote and communicate the value of the Indirect Procurement function across the business
  • Coordinate with local/regional procurement to consolidate further category spend

Duties:

Global category responsibility for IT & Telecoms:

• Software (incl. Software as a Service) and Support Services
• Hardware and Print
• Network and Communication Services
• IT Consultancy Services and Outsourced IT Services (incl. Hosting Services)

Support Head of Indirect Proc with sourcing activities for:

• Centralised Services (Non-IT related Professional Services & Consultancy)
• Align sourcing activities with dedicated category strategy.

General:

• Responsible for leading cross-functional teams of operational stakeholders, sourcing and commercial managers through the sourcing process to deliver breakthrough results that deliver commercial advantage for Smiths Detection.
• Work with the Indirect Procurement Head and Head of IT to develop and deliver a clear category strategy for the Detection Group.
• Responsible for ensuring suppliers provide value for money and business benefit to the company, including innovative proposals and following the Smiths Detection Sustainable Sourcing Strategy.
• Expected to have in depth knowledge of commercial and contract management trends in the respective supply markets to apply best practice to supplier management.
• Develop relationships with existing Suppliers that leverage spend to reduce costs whilst delivering innovation and benefit to our business.
• Develop new strategic relationships with new suppliers and partners to meet customer needs and requirements.
• Lead cost management exercises to identify waste and drive immediate savings in external costs.
• Identify opportunities to exploit economies of scale (group leverage, standardization, normalisation of suppliers etc.)
• Working with key stakeholders to gain an in-depth understanding of the industry and related business models is essential.
• The role is critical in driving improved customer experiences and reducing risk through the supply base within the categories.
• The role is not exhaustive, and the Company may require you from time to time to undertake other reasonable tasks within your capacity.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading end-to-end procurement projects within a structured sourcing process, including RFIs and RFPs.
• Strong background in building and executing long-term category and subcategory strategies aligned to overall business objectives.
• Demonstrated success in implementing and managing Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) processes, including structured supplier performance reviews and governance frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and gain commitment from diverse business functions and senior leadership.
• Solid understanding of contract review and negotiation, ensuring alignment with business strategies and risk mitigation requirements.
• Deep insight into market trends and supply dynamics, with the ability to anticipate business needs on a 1-3-year horizon.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience using e-sourcing platforms and spend/savings analytics tools.
• Track record of delivering measurable results through procurement strategies, supported by a balanced scorecard or similar performance metrics.
• Experience working within complex and matrixed organizations, driving innovation and continuous improvement across procurement functions.
• A collaborative leadership style with a focus on capability building, team development, and cross-functional alignment.
• Knowledge of how third-party providers contribute to the business model and customer value delivery.

Additional Information

We offer...

Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)