Senior Category Manager

We're looking for a Senior Category Manager – Security Equipment to lead the procurement strategy for a critical portfolio of security screening equipment, maintenance services and associated technologies. This is a unique opportunity to shape sourcing decisions, influence major investment programmes and work with senior stakeholders across a complex operational environment.

The following information provides an overview of the skills, qualities, and qualifications needed for this role.

The Opportunity

As Senior Category Manager, you will be responsible for developing and delivering category strategies across a high-value portfolio of security equipment and maintenance contracts. Working closely with operational, technical and commercial stakeholders, you will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, manage supplier performance and ensure commercial arrangements deliver long-term value, innovation and operational resilience.

You will play a key role in driving procurement excellence, applying market insight and commercial expertise to support complex business needs while managing risk and ensuring governance compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for security equipment, maintenance services and associated technologies
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including market engagement, commercial analysis, tendering, negotiation and contract award
• Manage procurement pipelines, ensuring priorities, risks and opportunities are effectively addressed
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making and aligning procurement strategies to business objectives
• Provide commercial advice on sourcing options, contracting approaches, supplier selection and risk management
• Develop robust commercial agreements and supplier performance frameworks that drive value, resilience and continuous improvement
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and governance processes throughout the contract lifecycle
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities and emerging technologies to identify innovation opportunities
• Lead, coach and support colleagues while promoting procurement best practice and a collaborative team culture

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience developing category strategies and delivering commercial value through strategic sourcing and supplier management
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and challenge senior leaders constructively
• Experience leading complex tenders, commercial evaluations and contract negotiations within high-value spend categories
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to identify, assess and manage commercial, operational and supplier risks
• Track record of managing strategic supplier relationships and driving performance improvements
• Ability to use market xwzovoh intelligence and supplier insights to support innovation and better business outcomes
• Experience coaching or leading procurement professionals within a collaborative environment
• Strong understanding of procurement governance and contract management principles
• Experience procuring operational equipment, technical systems or maintenance service contracts

Desirable Experience

• MCIPS qualified or equivalent professional procurement experience
• Experience working within highly regulated, asset-intensive or operationally critical environments
• Knowledge of complex contracting arrangements, framework agreements and service-based contracts
• Experience delivering commercially viable solutions that balance operational requirements and affordability targets
• Experience managing supplier partnerships and cross-functional stakeholder groups.
• Previous people management experience