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