Global Category Manager – Facilities Management

Sodexo; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global services company based in England is seeking a Global Category Manager for Facilities Management. The role requires deep FM expertise and a strong background in procurement, focusing on developing and implementing category strategies. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical and relationship-building skills and be fluent in English, with French being a plus. Competitive salary and multiple benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Sodexo retirement plan

Discounts at over 1,900 brands

Gym discount

24/7 employee assistance program

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in procurement across multiple categories, strong FM background preferred.
• Skilled in both high-level strategy and operational implementation.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in French is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement integrated staffing solutions strategy.
• Research market trends and monitor supplier performance.
• Establish strategic partnerships with staffing suppliers.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Procurement experience

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, or related field

MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification

Job description

Overview

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for procurement and facilities management? We're looking for a Global Category Manager - Facilities Management to lead our global category strategy and European sourcing approach across Hard & Soft FM, including MRO and digital procurement platforms.

This role is ideal for someone who brings deep FM expertise alongside broader category management experience. You'll work closely with regional buyers, operational teams, and senior stakeholders - so strong influencing and collaboration skills are key.

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 Strategy Development: Design and implement an integrated staffing solutions strategy to enhance cost-effectiveness and supplier performance.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with stakeholders from FM, business segments, and regional procurement teams to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with broader business goals.
• Supplier Market Insights: Research market trends, monitor supplier performance, and apply best practices to identify value-creation opportunities within the staffing category and other indirect categories.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with staffing suppliers and other key partners across Europe, promoting high standards in service delivery and cost efficiency.
• Contract & Compliance Oversight: Lead European contracting processes with Legal Counsel, setting clear SLAs, ensuring compliance, and negotiating terms aligned with best procurement practices.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Address data access and systems limitations to optimize decision-making, using data insights to guide strategies and achieve cost savings.
• Process Optimization: Leverage continuous improvement practices to enhance procurement processes, streamline cross-regional collaboration, and develop innovative approaches to category management.

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

The Ideal Candidate

• Education: Bachelor\'s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, or related field; MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification is advantageous.
• Extensive Experience in procurement with experience across multiple categories; a foundational background in Facilities Management (goods & services) is preferred.
• Strategic and Operational Balance: Skilled in both high-level strategy development and operational implementation, with the flexibility to adapt across categories.
• Relationship Building & Influence: Excellent interpersonal skills, adept at engaging and influencing stakeholders across various levels and cultures.
• Analytical Skills: Strong financial analysis, problem-solving abilities, and capability to manage complex procurement challenges.
• Continuous Improvement Orientation: Committed to enhancing procurement processes and pursuing innovative category management approaches.
• Languages: Fluent in English; proficiency in French can be an advantage.

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.

For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

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.