Senior Corporate Services Category Manager
2 days ago
Farnborough
Job Title: Senior Corporate Services Category Manager Location: Farnborough (3 days onsite per week) Term: 6 Months IR35: INSIDE Day Rate: £DOE I am seeking a highly capable Senior Corporate Services Category Manager to take ownership of a diverse and high-value portfolio (~£100M spend) covering HR, Recruitment, Training, Professional Services, Legal, Marketing, and Travel. This is a strategic role supporting a key global People function, where you will operate as a trusted business partner to senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making and driving commercial value across the organisation. This position is ideal for someone comfortable working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, with the confidence to challenge constructively, shape strategy, and lead complex sourcing initiatives at Director and CIO level. Key Responsibilities • Develop and execute category strategies across Corporate Services (with a focus on HR, Recruitment, and Training), using market insight and data to optimise value, • Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, ensuring early engagement and alignment with business priorities, • Lead end-to-end sourcing activity including strategy development, tendering, supplier selection, and negotiation of high-value, complex contracts, • Draft procurement documentation, RFPs, and compelling commercial proposals, • Identify and manage category risks including supply chain resilience, financial exposure, and sustainability considerations, • Drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) to maximise supplier performance, innovation, and long-term value, • Support ongoing transformation initiatives, including transition from SAP Ariba to Oracle Fusion and development of a mature Source-to-Pay (S2P) model, • Contribute to continuous improvement across procurement processes, tools, and governance About You • Proven experience in strategic category management within Corporate Services or similar spend areas, • Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge at senior levels, • Comfortable operating in ambiguity, making sound commercial decisions in dynamic environments, • Experienced in leading complex tenders and negotiating high-value contracts, • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively, • Strong commercial acumen with a focus on delivering measurable business value, • Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with both internal stakeholders and suppliers, • Resilient, adaptable, and proactive in driving change and continuous improvement Skills & Experience • Degree or equivalent professional experience, • MCIPS qualified (or working towards), • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a strategic procurement or category management role, • Experience working within a private sector, fast-paced environment preferred, • Practical knowledge of Source-to-Pay (S2P) systems and procurement technologies Important Requirement Due to the nature of the work, you MUST hold current and active UK SC Clearance to be considered for this opening.