Strategic Sourcing Manager at Informa

Vale of White Horse, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

02 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

04 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, Procurement Excellence, Spend Analysis, Supplier Relationship Management, Contract Negotiation, Stakeholder Management, Total Cost of Ownership, Risk Mitigation, Data Analysis, Market Research, Strategic Thinking, Commercial Acumen, Analytical Mindset, Project Management, RFx Development

Industry

Information Services

Description

Company Description Informa is a leading academic publishing, business intelligence, knowledge and events business, creating unique content and connectivity for customers all over the world. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100. Taylor & Francis Group operates globally and produces high quality, peer reviewed books and journals. We produce unique, trusted content by expert authors, spreading knowledge and promoting discovery globally. We aim to broaden thinking and advance understanding, providing academics and professionals with a platform to share ideas and realize their individual potential. Our purpose is to foster human progress through knowledge. We strongly believe that this requires us to encourage and examine different ideas and voices, so that any work that meets our exacting levels of quality deserves to be included in our publications. This requires open minds, the opportunity for robust debate, and the courage to defend perspectives that stand up to scrutiny, even if they conflict with our personal beliefs or values. Because that’s the only way to find the best obtainable version of the truth and, ultimately, foster human progress. If you agree, then we’d love to hear from you. Job Description We are seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead category management initiatives and drive strategic value through procurement excellence. Reporting into the Strategic Sourcing Director, this role combines strategic thinking with operational execution to optimize organizational spend, manage supplier relationships, and support business objectives through data-driven category strategies. Key Accountabilities Strategic Category Management Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives and organizational priorities Conduct detailed category analysis including spend analysis, market research, and supplier landscape assessment Create 3-5 year category roadmaps with clear milestones, deliverables, and value creation opportunities Lead cross-functional teams to ensure stakeholder alignment and successful strategy implementation Monitor category performance against KPIs and adjust strategies based on market dynamics and business needs Sourcing & Supplier Management Execute end-to-end strategic sourcing processes including RFx development, supplier evaluation, and contract negotiation Build and maintain a robust supplier portfolio through market analysis and supplier capability assessment Develop supplier relationship management strategies to optimize performance, innovation, and risk mitigation Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and implement improvement plans where necessary Lead supplier development initiatives to enhance capability and drive continuous improvement Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into procurement strategies Influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams to drive adoption of category strategies Facilitate stakeholder workshops and category review meetings to ensure alignment and buy-in Provide expert procurement guidance and support to business units within assigned categories Build strong internal and external relationships to enable successful category outcomes Financial & Commercial Management Deliver measurable cost savings and value creation through strategic sourcing initiatives Develop total cost of ownership models and business cases for sourcing decisions Negotiate complex commercial terms and conditions to optimize value while managing risk Track and report on category financial performance, savings delivery, and budget compliance Support budget planning processes with market intelligence and cost forecasting Risk Management & Compliance Identify, assess, and mitigate category-specific risks including supply chain, financial, and operational risks Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to maintain business continuity Conduct supplier due diligence and ongoing risk monitoring activities Implement sustainable procurement practices and ESG considerations within category strategies Data Analysis & Market Intelligence Analyse complex spend data to identify opportunities for consolidation, standardization, and optimization Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform sourcing strategies Develop category insights and recommendations based on data analysis and market trends Create comprehensive reports and presentations for senior leadership and stakeholders Maintain category knowledge base and share best practices across the procurement organization Skills and Behaviours Required Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop long-term category strategies aligned with business objectives Commercial Acumen: Strong negotiation skills and understanding of commercial terms and conditions Stakeholder Management: Excellent relationship building and influencing skills across all organizational levels Analytical Mindset: Data-driven approach to decision making with strong problem-solving capabilities Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to senior leadership Project Management: Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously with competing priorities Qualifications Knowledge and Qualifications Essential Robust and demonstrable experience of procurement or category management across a variety of categories Proven track record of delivering measurable savings and value through strategic sourcing Experience managing complex, high-value categories with multiple stakeholders across several geographic locations Demonstrated success in supplier relationship management and contract negotiation Experience working in a matrix organization with cross-functional teams Proficiency in procurement systems (e-sourcing platforms, contract management systems) CIPS qualification Level 4 or equivalent professional certification Desirable Strong analytical skills with experience in spend analysis tools and data visualization within Excel and Power BI CIPS qualification Level 6 or equivalent professional certification Additional certifications such as LSS, CPSM, CPM, or PMP Experience in media publishing or similar B2C industries Additional Information * Please note you must have the right to live and work in the UK to be considered for this role * Location: We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at conference – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely. The successful candidate will be able to utilise our balanced working model. We ask that candidates live within a commutable distance of our offices in Milton Park, Oxfordshire to ensure that as a balanced worker they can make it to our office locations to collaborate as required. There is an expectation for a minimum of 3 days per week in-person time. Closing Date: Applications will close on 18th March 2026 What we offer in return: An excellent work/life balance with a fantastic, flexible working culture 25 days annual leave per year plus a day off for your birthday 3 additional discretionary days off during the holiday season at the end of the year 4 paid volunteering days each year Company funded single cover private medical insurance Employee assistance programme – offering 24/7 well-being support Share Match – Plan that matches every share purchased with two free shares. Pension scheme Life assurance, plus optical and medical care Being Yourself at Taylor & Francis If you’re excited about working with Taylor & Francis to foster human progress through knowledge, we invite you to apply even if your existing skills and experience don’t fit every item listed above. At Taylor & Francis, we are at our best and most successful when colleagues can be themselves and make a contribution regardless of their identity or background. As a colleague, you will have the opportunity to further innovate and develop in areas that you are passionate about. Our goal is to empower you with the resources, incentives, and flexibility you need to enjoy success at work and to live a healthy, balanced life. Taylor & Francis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in and value diversity of people and thought, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all colleagues can learn and succeed as their true selves. Taylor & Francis recruits, develops, and retains colleagues without regard to any protected personal characteristics or other non-merit based factor. If you have a disability, or face another barrier, and would like to request an adjustment to assist your participation in the hiring process and/or in the advertised position, please contact Liz Southwick. Your request will be reviewed and considered in the strictest confidence. We genuinely care about our colleagues, promoting work-life balance, wellbeing, and flexible working. We believe that the skills and experience you bring to Taylor & Francis are invaluable. We want you to have the opportunity to develop your abilities, and to innovate and develop in areas which you are passionate about. To find out more about our business and the great career opportunities please go to our Careers Site: http://www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com/careers Or better yet check out our LinkedIn ‘Life’ Page, highlighting our accomplishments, employees, and company culture. It’s also a good way of meeting our recruitment team, who will be happy to advise you on your journey here at T&F. https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylor-&-francis-group/life/79e0c27c-afdf-4bbb-84e6-5f8ed5e10bb8/ We know that sometimes the 'perfect candidate' doesn't exist, and that people can be put off applying for a job if they don't fit all the requirements. If you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could be just what we need! We believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, Informa is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics under local law. This role may also be available on a flexible working or part time basis – please ask the Talent Acquisition team for more information. To find out more about our business and the great career opportunities please go to our Careers Site: https://taylorandfrancis.com/careers/

Responsibilities

This role involves developing and executing comprehensive sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives, leading cross-functional teams, and monitoring category performance against KPIs. Key duties also include executing end-to-end strategic sourcing processes, managing supplier relationships, and delivering measurable cost savings through commercial negotiations.