Strategic Category Manager - Procurement & Supplier Strategy

JSS; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

JSS is seeking a Category Manager to shape procurement strategy across key business areas, including professional services and HR.

You will lead strategic sourcing, negotiate with suppliers, manage performance, and drive ESG alignment, collaborating with senior stakeholders to deliver measurable value across the organisation.

The role emphasizes strategic thinking, leadership, and a proven ability to deliver improvements and cost efficiencies in procurement.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in category management and procurement across diverse categories including professional services and HR.
• Skilled in contract negotiation, supplier management, SLAs, and procurement best practice.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and leadership skills.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving improvement and delivering results.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and category management across multiple spend areas including professional services and HR.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Drive commercial value through supplier negotiations, vendor management, process improvements, and cost efficiencies.
• Manage supplier relationships, contract performance, onboarding, and ESG alignment.
• Act as a trusted advisor and escalation point for supplier issues and dispute resolution.

Job description

JSS is seeking a Category Manager to shape procurement strategy across key business areas, including professional services and HR.

You will lead strategic sourcing, negotiate with suppliers, manage performance, and drive ESG alignment, collaborating with senior stakeholders to deliver measurable value across the organisation.

The role emphasizes strategic thinking, leadership, and a proven ability to deliver improvements and cost efficiencies in procurement.