FM - Category Manager

Sodexo; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking an experienced FM Category Manager to lead category strategies across the UK & Ireland. You will drive supplier coverage, unlock value and deliver commercial excellence by partnering with global supply management teams and business partners.

The role demands strategic thinking, strong negotiation, stakeholder management and the ability to operate effectively in a multi‑cultural, matrix environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in Buying / Category Management.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and matrix environment.
• Proven track record in contract negotiation.
• Strong presentation skills both verbally and written.
• Graduate calibre; working towards CIPS/ISM or equivalent qualification (desirable).
• Team player with excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Financial acumen and result orientated.
• Fluency in English; French / Spanish a plus.
• Flexible for travel where required.

Responsibilities

• Manage autonomously the assigned categories under the scope of responsibility.
• Establish close relationship with the Supply relationship management and Business Partner teams
• Ensure a good alignment and on boarding of the key stakeholders within the Service Operations platform.
• Generate savings and increase revenues
• Improve profitability by optimising agreements and alignment with global contracts
• Negotiate regional agreements and secure best net prices
• Generate savings and improve commercial terms
• Set up, initiate and maintain professional relationships with the regional supplier network in order to :
• Reinforce the image and the credibility of Sodexo
• Identify the technological developments and innovations from the supplier base
• Working with Supply Management Finance to ensure robust reporting and measurement of the Global Supply Management performance.
• Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements

Skills

Category Management

Contract negotiation

Presentation skills

Fluent English

Travel flexible

Education

Graduate calibre

CIPS/ISM desirable

Job description

We are seeking an experienced FM Category Manager to join our procurement team, responsible for driving category performance, supplier value, and commercial excellence across the UK & Ireland. Working closely with global supply management teams, you will lead the development and execution of category strategies, expand international supplier coverage, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, innovation and competitiveness. This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategic sourcing decisions, strengthen supplier partnerships, and deliver sustainable value across our Facilities Management portfolio.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers

Main Responsibilities

Category Management

• Manage autonomously the assigned categories under the scope of responsibility.
• Establish close relationship with the Supply relationship management and Business Partner teams
• Ensure a good alignment and on boarding of the key stakeholders within the Service Operations platform.
• Generate savings and increase revenues

Improve profitability by optimising agreements and alignment with global contracts

• Negotiate regional agreements and secure best net prices
• Generate savings and improve commercial terms

Set up, initiate and maintain professional relationships with the regional supplier network in order to :

• Reinforce the image and the credibility of Sodexo
• Identify the technological developments and innovations from the supplier base

Working with Supply Management Finance to ensure robust reporting and measurement of the Global Supply Management performance.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements

The Ideal Candidate

• • Experience in Buying / Category Management
  • Ability in working in a multi-cultural and matrix environment
  • Proven-track records in contract negotiation
  • Strong presentation skills both verbally and written
  • Graduate calibre and working towards CIPS/ISM or equivalent qualification (desirable)
  • Team player with excellent communication and influencing skills
  • Financial acumen and result orientated
  • Fluency in English; French / Spanish a plus.
  • Flexible for travel where required

• Hard / Soft FM Goods & Services - desired

  • Experience in both goods and services procurement.
  • Within Soft Services sub-categories e.g. Waste, Security, Cleaning, Washrooms, Robotics, Work wear, Laundry.
  • Experience in specific Hard FM sub categories e.g. Lifts, Fire and Security, Water treatment, Electrical Wholesalers is relevant and advantageous.
  • Multi-site procurement across diverse sectors such Healthcare, Public Sector, Corporate Services and Pharma.

• FM Product Specialist - beneficial

  • Experience managing catalogues
  • Setting and locking product catalogues
  • Cleaning consumables, Chemicals, Food disposables, Janitorial Products and MRO
  • Experience negotiating with manufactures
  • Forecasting and strategy development
  • Leveraging volume and rationalisation

Package Description

Competitive salary depending on experience

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater.

You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We’re all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity.We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves.We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.