Senior Category Manager - Direct/Indirect Procurement

National Express; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport company is looking for a Senior Category Manager to shape and execute procurement strategies in Birmingham/London. This role demands strong negotiation and category management skills, focusing on delivering commercial value and process improvements. Ideal candidates will proactively drive change and have a proven record in managing procurement strategies. This position offers a competitive salary, bonus, and car allowance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing direct or indirect categories within a mid-to-large organisation.
• A successful track record in developing and delivering category management strategies.
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute category strategies across defined spend areas.
• Manage the full sourcing lifecycle from market analysis to implementation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Commercial acumen

Problem-solving

Job description

Join us on the Journey...

Senior Category Manager –Direct/Indirect Procurement

Location: Birmingham / London / Hybrid

Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Car Allowance

Contract Type: Permanent

Company: Mobico Group

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for delivering commercial value and driving business transformation? Mobico Group is looking for a Senior Category Manager – Indirect/Direct to lead end-to-end category management across key spend areas. This is a high-impact role, responsible for shaping and executing group-wide procurement strategies across categories such as Technology, Marketing, Facilities Management, HR & Professional Services, Fleet, and MRO.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute category strategies across defined direct and/or indirect spend areas, delivering measurable savings and added value
• Manage the full sourcing lifecycle – from market analysis and tendering through to supplier selection, contract negotiation, and implementation
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders across the Mobico Group
• Identify and deliver commercial opportunities, cost efficiencies, and process improvements
• Support contract compliance, supplier performance management, and governance initiatives
• Contribute to Mobico's procurement transformation, enhancing tools, data, analytics, and reporting capabilities
• Where applicable, coach and develop category managers to drive continuous improvement and performance

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience managing direct or indirect categories within a mid-to-large organisation
• A successful track record in developing and delivering category management strategies
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management skills
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively in a complex, matrixed environment
• A proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving and value creation
• Experience driving procurement compliance and continuous process improvement

You Are

A tenacious, proactive self-starter who pushes boundaries and knows when to challenge the status quo.

Commercially astute with a growth mindset, focused on delivering tangible business outcomes.

A trusted partner and enabler of competitive advantage through procurement excellence.

Why Join Us?

At Mobico Group, we’re transforming how we operate to deliver real, sustainable value. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping procurement strategy and driving change across the business. We offer a collaborative environment, flexible working, and opportunities to grow your career as part of a forward-thinking, purpose-driven team.

Things to Note...

At National Express, we are really proud of our health and safety record and as a result, we operate a Drugs and Alcohol Policy which is applicable to all employees.

As part of your initial assessment, we will complete Drug and Alcohol testing and you may be subject to random tests during your employment.