UK remote
Category Manager - 14 month fixed-term contract
About this role
We're looking for a proactive and commercially minded Category Manager to join us on a 14-month fixed-term contract. The role is based at our Victoria Street office in London, with hybrid working and an expectation of 1-2 days per week in the office. You'll help shape and deliver category strategies that optimise spend, strengthen supplier relationships and improve commercial outcomes. Building on the foundations of our cost optimisation programme, you'll identify opportunities to drive value, challenge existing ways of working and turn insight into practical improvements.
You'll work across a varied portfolio of corporate spend, taking ownership of strategic sourcing activity, leading commercial negotiations and influencing decisions. We're interested in people who combine strong analytical and commercial skills with the confidence to challenge constructively, build trusted relationships and deliver measurable results. Key responsibilities Develop and complete comprehensive category strategies aligned with organisational objectives and business goals Manage and nurture strategic supplier and vendor relationships, ensuring efficient performance and value delivery Analyse market trends, competitive landscapes and category data to find opportunities for cost savings and process optimisation Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve procurement processes, enhance efficiency and drive organisational change Conduct detailed spend analysis and category modelling to support strategic decision-making and budget planning Negotiate contracts and commercial terms with suppliers, balancing cost, quality and service requirements Monitor category performance against benchmarks and indicators, providing transparent reporting and actionable insights to interested parties Collaborate with internal teams across the organisation to understand category requirements and align solutions with business needs Identify and implement innovative solutions that improve category performance and support business growth Champion a customer-focused approach, ensuring category decisions positively impact end-user happiness and experience Support the induction and development of team members, encouraging a collaborative and encouraging working environment About you You'll be commercially curious, analytical and comfortable taking ownership of your work.