Category Manager - Professional Services and HR

JSS; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

JSS is seeking a Category Manager to shape procurement strategy across professional services and HR in a London-based role with flexible in-office days. You will lead category management, negotiate with suppliers, and drive cost efficiencies while aligning with ESG and vendor performance.

Expect collaboration with senior stakeholders and a focus on delivering strategic sourcing outcomes. The role requires strong category management experience, excellent stakeholder engagement, and leadership

Qualifications

• Strong experience in category management across diverse categories.
• Skilled in contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and category management across multiple spend areas including professional services and HR.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Drive commercial value through supplier negotiations, vendor management, process improvements, and cost efficiencies.
• Manage supplier relationships, contract performance, onboarding, and ESG alignment.
• Act as a trusted advisor and escalation point for supplier issues and dispute resolution.

Skills

Category management

Procurement strategy

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Job description

Help shape the future of procurement within a leading professional services firm. As a Category Manager you’ll play a key role in delivering strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement transformation initiatives across key business areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic sourcing and category management across multiple spend areas including professional services and HR.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Drive commercial value through supplier negotiations, vendor management, process improvements, and cost efficiencies.
• Manage supplier relationships, contract performance, onboarding, and ESG alignment.
• Act as a trusted advisor and escalation point for supplier issues and dispute resolution.

To be considered:

• Strong experience in category management and procurement across diverse categories including professional services and HR.
• Skilled in contract negotiation, supplier management, SLAs, and procurement best practice.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and leadership skills.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving improvement and delivering results.

On offer:

• £70,000 - £75,000 + bonus
• 2-3 days / week in their London office