The OpportunityAn exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Category Manager to lead strategic procurement and commercial activities across infrastructure-related categories. This role will be responsible for developing category strategies, delivering commercial value, managing supplier relationships, and leading complex procurement projects within a large-scale operational environment.The successful candidate will partner with senior stakeholders to drive procurement excellence, optimise supplier performance, and deliver cost-effective commercial outcomes.

• Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement category management strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Lead end-to-end procurement and sourcing activities, including tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and contract award.
• Deliver measurable commercial benefits, cost savings, and value improvement initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the business.
• Provide expert procurement and commercial advice to support strategic decision-making.
• Manage complex supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement in supplier performance.
• Lead commercial negotiations for high-value and strategically important contracts.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with governance, policy, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mitigate commercial, contractual, and supply-chain risks.
• Support transformation programmes and procurement best-practice initiatives.
• Produce category insights and market analysis to inform sourcing strategies.

• Essential ExperienceExtensive experience in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing roles.
• Proven track record of managing infrastructure, engineering, construction, estates, FM, or related categories.
• Experience delivering complex procurement projects from strategy through to contract award.
• Strong commercial and contractual negotiation experience.
• Demonstrable experience delivering cost savings and value-generation initiatives.
• Experience managing senior stakeholders within large and complex organisations.
• Strong knowledge of supplier relationship management and contract management principles.

• Skills & CompetenciesExcellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking capability.
• Outstanding negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to analyse complex data and make commercially sound recommendations.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently whilst managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

• DesirableMCIPS qualification or working towards CIPS accreditation.
• Experience operating within highly regulated environments.
• Previous experience leading procurement transformation or change initiatives.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations or large-scale infrastructure procurement programmes