Category Manager - Travel

JR United Kingdom; Guildford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A globally renowned brand is seeking a Procurement Category Manager to lead procurement efforts focusing on Travel, Meetings & Events. The successful candidate will manage the procurement cycle, engage with stakeholders, and improve processes within a collaborative team environment. This opportunity offers a competitive salary and benefits, ideal for someone CIPS qualified with a hands-on approach.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Travel Procurement Category Management or generalist experience with Travel exposure.
• Professional approach with ability to challenge appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Managing the entire procurement cycle including documents and contract award.
• Identifying sourcing opportunities in the Travel sector.
• Leading spend analysis and supplier risk management.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Contract management

Negotiation

Risk management

Education

CIPS qualified

Job description

ProcureOne is pleased to partner with a globally renowned brand to help 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. Responsibilities include:

1. Managing the entire procurement cycle, including pre-tender preparation, RFQ, tender documents, execution, and contract award.
2. Identifying and delivering sourcing opportunities in the Travel sector through insight and analysis.
3. Leading spend analysis, supplier fit, and market reviews.
4. Managing supplier risk, controls, governance, and ensuring risk assessments are applied to sourcing decisions.
5. Engaging with internal stakeholders up to director level through regular communication.
6. Collaborating with business leads to secure the best deals and leading commercial and contractual negotiations.
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 specifications to ensure clarity and market relevance.

Suitable candidates will have proven experience in Travel Procurement Category Management or generalist experience with exposure to Travel.

Team fit is crucial, so ideally, candidates will be CIPS qualified, with a professional approach, able to challenge appropriately.

The team is collaborative; you should thrive in a hands-on environment where support across the department is valued.

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