Smiths Group plc - Global Category Manager - HR & Professional Services

Cielo Talent; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global industrial technology leader seeks an experienced Global Category Manager in HR & Professional Services to enhance their procurement strategies. This hybrid role in Birmingham involves leading end-to-end projects and managing supplier partnerships while driving innovation and cost reductions. Candidates should possess strong negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, coupled with a strategic mindset, to succeed in this complex environment.

Benefits

Flexible, hybrid working model

Support for professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading end-to-end procurement projects in HR/professional services.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills are essential.
• Ability to thrive in a complex, matrixed, global organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of global category strategies for HR and professional services.
• Execute global subcategory strategies aligned to procurement goals.
• Influence internal stakeholders across divisions and geographies.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic mindset

Data-driven approach

Job description

Smiths Group plc - Global Category Manager, HR & Professional Services

Location: Birmingham, UK

Company: Smiths Group plc

Hybrid Working | FTSE 100 Company

About Smiths Group plc

Smiths Group is a global leader in industrial technology and a constituent of the FTSE 100. We design, manufacture, and deliver high-quality, mission-critical products and services across key sectors including energy, defence, aerospace, security, and medical technology. With 14,000+ employees worldwide and a proud history of innovation spanning 170+ years, we are united by our purpose: improving our world through smarter engineering .

Our operations span four core divisions:

John Crane | Smiths Detection | Smiths Interconnect | Flex-Tek

We are currently seeking a strategic and commercially focused Global Category Manager – HR & Professional Services to join our Group Procurement team. This is a high-impact role based in Birmingham, supporting a global footprint across over 50 countries.

The Role

As Global Category Manager , you will lead the development and delivery of global category strategies for key HR and professional service areas including:

Recruitment & Temp Services Training & Development HSE Services Rewards & Benefits HR Systems & Payroll Marketing Travel & Expense Professional Services & Consultancy

Key Responsibilities

Own and execute global subcategory strategies aligned to Group Procurement goals Lead cross-functional sourcing and supplier management initiatives Deliver savings, improve service, and drive ESG compliance through sourcing strategies Leverage supplier relationships to reduce cost, increase innovation and performance Provide market insight, contract governance, and structured supplier performance reviews Act as a trusted partner to internal stakeholders, influencing across divisions and geographies

What You Bring

Proven experience leading end-to-end procurement projects in HR/professional services Strong negotiation, supplier management, and stakeholder engagement skills Strategic mindset with commercial acumen and a numbers-driven approach Experience with e-sourcing, spend analytics, and performance tools Ability to thrive in a complex, matrixed, global organisation An inquisitive, resilient, and results-oriented mindset

Why Smiths?

Be part of a global business committed to sustainability, inclusion and integrity Work in a culture that values curiosity, innovation, and collaboration Enjoy a flexible, hybrid working model and support for your professional development Join a company where your work matters —helping protect people, enable innovation, and advance global industries