Procurement Category Manager FM

1st Executive Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement consulting firm in the UK is seeking a Category Manager - Hard Services to lead strategic category management for essential services. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience, a proven record of delivering cost savings, and strong skills in negotiation and stakeholder management. This role offers autonomy and opportunities for career development in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in procurement or category management.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings.
• Experience managing supplier performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management of key Hard Services categories.
• Conduct spend and supplier market analysis.
• Implement structured category plans for cost optimization.
• Develop partnerships with key suppliers.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities.

Skills

Procurement experience

Category management

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Job description

Category Manager - Hard Services

Contact:

Sally Davis

Contact email:

[e-mail]

Job ref:

692241-111125_1763889408

Published:

1 day ago

Duration:

asap

Expiry date:

2025-12-23

Play a pivotal role in maximising procurement value through strategic category management across FM ard Services. You'll shape sourcing strategies, drive supplier performance, and create value-led outcomes that power operational excellence across our diverse UK businesses.

What You’ll Do

• Strategic Category Leadership
• Lead the management of key Hard Services categories including plant & equipment hire, building materials & fabric, plumbing, and heating equipment.
• Conduct full spend and supplier market analysis to build long‑term, value‑driven sourcing strategies.
• Implement structured category plans to optimise cost, service, and sustainability outcomes.
• Anticipate business needs and adapt strategies to market, budgetary, or technological shifts.
• Develop strong partnerships with key suppliers, ensuring quality, reliability and innovation.
• Value & Savings Delivery
• Identify cost reduction opportunities and measurable efficiency gains.
• Maximise leverage by aggregating spend and harmonising supplier arrangements.
• Manage and track annual rebate recovery and savings targets.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Partner with procurement peers, operational leaders and support functions to deploy category strategies.
• Provide commercial input.
• Promote awareness and compliance with category frameworks across the organisation.
• Risk, Compliance & Sustainability
• Embed ESG and sustainability considerations into all sourcing decisions.
• Support project teams in identifying and mitigating category‑related risks.
• Ensure adherence to procurement standards and governance frameworks.
• Leverage supplier insights and market intelligence to drive innovation and process efficiency.
• Influence specifications and technical solutions for best value.
• Champion continuous improvement and category‑led collaboration across the business.

What You’ll Bring

• Ideally 5+ years’ experience in procurement, category management, or commercial roles.
• Proven track record in delivering cost savings and strategic sourcing outcomes.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication, influencing and problem‑solving abilities.
• Experience managing supplier performance and driving innovation.
• Be part of a high‑performing, forward‑thinking Procurement function.
• Work collaboratively across operations, sustainability and innovation.
• Enjoy autonomy, career development and a culture built on collaboration, integrity and value creation.