Senior Corporate Services Category Manager

<p><strong>Job Title: </strong>Senior Corporate Services Category Manager</p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Farnborough (3 days onsite per week)</p><p><strong>Term:</strong> 6 Months</p><p><strong>IR35:</strong> INSIDE</p><p><strong>Day Rate:</strong> £DOE</p><p><br><br>Find out more about this role by reading the information below, then apply to be considered.<br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li>Develop and execute category strategies across Corporate Services (with a focus on HR, Recruitment, and Training), using market insight and data to optimise value</li><li>Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, ensuring early engagement and alignment with business priorities</li><li>Lead end-to-end sourcing activity including strategy development, tendering, supplier selection, and negotiation of high-value, complex contracts</li><li>Draft procurement documentation, RFPs, and compelling commercial proposals</li><li>Identify and manage category risks including supply chain resilience, financial exposure, and sustainability considerations</li><li>Drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) to maximise supplier performance, innovation, and long-term value</li><li>Support ongoing transformation initiatives, including transition from SAP Ariba to Oracle Fusion and development of a mature Source-to-Pay (S2P) model</li><li>Contribute to continuous improvement across procurement processes, tools, and governance</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>About You</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li>Proven experience in strategic category management within Corporate Services or similar spend areas</li><li>Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge at senior levels</li><li>Comfortable operating in ambiguity, making sound commercial decisions in dynamic environments</li><li>Experienced in leading complex tenders and negotiating high-value contracts xwzovoh </li><li>Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively</li><li>Strong commercial acumen with a focus on delivering measurable business value</li><li>Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with both internal stakeholders and suppliers</li><li>Resilient, adaptable, and proactive in driving change and continuous improvement</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Skills & Experience</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li>Degree or equivalent professional experience</li><li>MCIPS qualified (or working towards)</li><li>Minimum 5 years’ experience in a strategic procurement or category management role</li><li>Experience working within a private sector, fast-paced environment preferred</li><li>Practical knowledge of Source-to-Pay (S2P) systems and procurement technologies</li></ul>