Hard Services Category Manager
Hybrid working - access required to London / Ipswich
Reporting to the Head of Hard FM Procurement, the Hard Services Category Manager will take strategic and commercial ownership of selected categories and projects within Hard Services, with particular responsibility for synergy identification and delivery following a recent acquisition.
This includes rationalising and integrating two supply chains, consolidating spend, maximising savings delivery, strengthening PSL compliance and delivering measurable value for OCS UK & Ireland.
This is a highly strategic and commercially critical role, responsible for planning, executing and delivering synergy benefits, leading complex negotiations, and partnering closely with stakeholders across the business. The Category Manager will be expected to provide insight, challenge assumptions, influence senior stakeholders and help shape the long-term direction of Hard Services Procurement.
Qualifications and experience:
• Previous Hard FM experience.
• Category Management experience
• E-Sourcing experience.
• Used to working with and negotiating Rebate agreements.
• Proven experience managing and developing category strategies
• Proven track record for delivering year-on-year savings and driving significant, sustainable
cost reductions.
• Familiarity with framework agreements, call-off terms and client flow-down terms
• CIPS qualification (Level 4+).
• Experience using Source to Contract Solutions such as Coupa
Skills and approach:
• Results driven with a flair for negotiation.
• Strong commercial capability
• Strong supplier management and stakeholder engagement
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Operational discipline, including audit trails, version control and clear governance.
• Ability to challenge stakeholders constructively
• A strong team player with the ability to work in a cross-functional team
• Proficient in Microsoft Tools (PowerPoint, Word and Intermediate Level Excel)
• Comfortable working with data and dashboards
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• High level of integrity and dependability.
• Proactive, detail-oriented and solution focused
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• An understanding of how volume related discounts and rebates impact EBITDA
Key performance indicators:
Performance targets will be set and reviewed quarterly, taking into consideration pipeline volume and maturity of supply chain and overall procurement targets.
KPIs are likely to include:
• In-Year synergy value delivered within 12 months
• Supplier rationalisation (% of spend moved / # of suppliers exited)
• % of spend directed to preferred suppliers
• Positive Stakeholder feedback