Job Description

Senior Category Manager - SC Cleared
Duration: 12 Months
Rate: 450-550 Outside IR35
Clearance: SC Clearance
Location: Reading 3 days per week
We're looking for a commercially sharp Category Manager to own and deliver category strategies across a defined portfolio. You'll balance short-term savings with long-term value, drive competitive sourcing, and build strong, performance-led supplier relationships that directly support the organisation's wider objectives.
This is a role for someone who's confident operating in complexity - shaping strategy, leading sourcing activity end-to-end, and providing commercial assurance across high-value, high-risk contracts.
What You'll Be Doing
Own and deliver category strategies, aligned to business priorities, cost efficiency targets, and long-term value creation
Lead complex sourcing activity end to end - RFx, supplier evaluation, negotiation, contract award and handover
Act as the commercial lead for your categories, providing contractual and commercial assurance throughout the lifecycle
Manage and develop key and critical suppliers, driving performance, managing risk, and unlocking additional value
Lead supplier engagement at senior levels, including Management and Executive Business Reviews
Embed robust supplier segmentation, performance management, and risk mitigation practices
Provide market insight, benchmarking, and business intelligence to inform category decisions
Forecast spend, manage commercial risk, and assess the impact of change across contracts
Work closely with internal stakeholders and service centres to ensure seamless delivery and governance
What You'll Bring
Strong experience in category management and strategic sourcing
Proven ability to manage high-value, complex contracts and supplier relationships
Commercially astute, with a clear understanding of total cost of ownership and lifecycle value
Confident stakeholder manager, able to influence at all levels
Experience working within structured procurement or category management frameworks
A proactive, delivery-focused mindset with strong commercial judgement
Reasonable Adjustments:
Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.
If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Skills Required