Category Manager - Travel

JR United Kingdom; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned global brand is seeking a top-tier Procurement Category Manager to oversee indirect categories, primarily focusing on Travel, Meetings & Events. This role includes leading procurement cycles, managing supplier relations, and enhancing procurement processes. Ideal candidates will have experience in Travel procurement and a professional, team-oriented approach.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Exciting work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Travel Procurement Category Management or generalism with Travel exposure.
• Capable of engaging with stakeholders, especially at the director level.
• Professional approach with a collaborative team fit.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement across indirect categories focusing on Travel.
• Manage supplier risk, controls, and governance.
• Collaborate with business leads for commercial negotiations.

Skills

Procurement Management

Supplier Risk Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Negotiation

Analytical Skills

Education

CIPS Qualification

Job description

ProcureOne is pleased to partner with a globally renowned brand to help them attract a first-class Procurement Category Manager to join their team as they continue to develop and grow.

Reporting to the Senior Category Manager and working within a fantastic procurement team, you will lead end-to-end procurement across various indirect category areas, focusing on Travel, Meetings & Events. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Managing the complete procurement cycle, including pre-tender preparation, RFQ, tender documents, tender execution, and contract award.
2. Identifying and delivering sourcing opportunities within the Travel business areas through insight and analysis.
3. Leading spend analysis, supplier fit assessments, and market reviews.
4. Managing supplier risk, controls, and governance, ensuring risk assessments are applied to all sourcing decisions.
5. Maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders up to director level through regular engagement.
6. Collaborating with business leads to secure the best deals and leading commercial and contractual negotiations within designated categories.
7. Handling contract management and drafting terms.
8. Improving procurement processes and policies, proactively identifying better ways of working.
9. Supporting the business in drafting clear and meaningful specifications for the marketplace.

Suitable candidates will have proven Travel Procurement Category Management experience or be generalists with some exposure to the Travel Category.

Team fit is crucial, so ideally, you will be CIPS qualified, possess a professional approach, and be capable of challenging appropriately.

The team is collaborative, so you must thrive in an environment where you are hands-on and supportive across the department.

In return, our client offers the opportunity to work in an exciting environment, with a competitive salary and benefits package.