Procurement Category Manager Hard Services

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

Job summary

A procurement consulting firm in London is seeking a Category Manager for Hard Services. You will play a key role in developing sourcing strategies and driving supplier performance to achieve cost savings. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in procurement and strong analytical and negotiation skills. This position offers a collaborative work environment and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Career development

Collaborative culture

Autonomy in role

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in procurement, category management, or commercial roles.
• Proven track record in delivering cost savings and strategic sourcing outcomes.
• Experience managing supplier performance and driving innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management of key Hard Services categories.
• Conduct full spend and supplier market analysis.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities and measurable efficiency gains.
• Embed ESG and sustainability considerations into sourcing decisions.
• Leverage supplier insights to drive innovation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Job description

Category Manager - Hard Services

Play a pivotal role in maximising procurement value through strategic category management across Hard 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.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement
  • 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

Why join?

• 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.

Apply asap for an initial chat