Category Manager - Operations & InfrastructureHybrid - 2 days per week in officeSalary: Circa £60,000
OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Category Manager - Operations to join a busy Category & Sourcing function, supporting a significant portfolio of operational, asset and maintenance-related procurement activity.
The role will take ownership of a substantial pipeline of strategic procurement projects covering physical assets, maintenance contracts, equipment, operational services and associated commercial arrangements.
Given the scale, complexity and pace of the procurement pipeline, this position requires an experienced procurement professional who can operate autonomously, lead complex sourcing projects and add value from day one.
Key ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end strategic sourcing and procurement projects.
Develop and implement effective category and sourcing strategies.
Manage complex, high-value procurement programmes and tender exercises.
Lead regulated and competitive procurement processes.
Develop commercial models, pricing structures and evaluation methodologies.
Lead supplier negotiations and support contract award decisions.
Build strong relationships with operational, engineering and technical stakeholders.
Provide commercial and procurement expertise throughout the sourcing lifecycle.
Support longer-term category planning, supplier strategy and procurement delivery.
Manage multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining strong governance and commercial outcomes.
Typical Spend AreasOperational assets
Maintenance contracts
Equipment supply
Hire agreements
Hire purchase arrangements
Operational service contracts
Asset-related services and commercial arrangements
Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate will be an experienced Category Manager with a strong strategic sourcing background and a proven track record of independently delivering complex procurement projects.
You will be commercially astute, confident managing multiple tenders simultaneously and comfortable working with senior operational, engineering and technical stakeholders.
Experience within utilities, infrastructure, engineering, asset management or maintenance environments would be highly advantageous.
Preferred ExperienceProven end-to-end procurement and sourcing leadership.
Strong category strategy development experience.
Experience within utilities, infrastructure or other complex operational environments.
Asset management procurement.
Maintenance and engineering procurement.
Experience with regulated or public sector procurement.
Strong knowledge of the Procurement Act and associated procurement processes.
Complex commercial modelling and evaluation methodology development.
Supplier negotiation and contract award experience.
Demonstrable ability to manage complex procurement programmes independently.
Who This Role Is Suited ToThis opportunity is aimed at an established Category Manager who is already operating independently and has experience leading complex procurement projects from strategy through to contract award.
The hiring team is not looking for someone making their first move from Buyer or Senior Buyer into Category Management. Candidates whose experience is predominantly focused on purchasing, transactional procurement, procurement administration or tactical sourcing are unlikely to have the level of strategic and commercial ownership required.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:
The ability to independently lead complex tenders.
Strong strategic sourcing and category management experience.
Commercial modelling capability.
Confidence managing multiple procurement projects simultaneously.
Experience engaging and influencing operational and technical stakeholders.
The ability to take ownership of complex procurement programmes with minimal support.
This is a delivery-focused Category Manager position, rather than a development opportunity for someone looking to take their first step into category management.