Senior Category Manager

Our client are seeking a Senior Category Manager – Security & Passenger Services to lead procurement strategy across a diverse portfolio of passenger-facing services. This role offers the opportunity to shape sourcing strategies, manage strategic supplier relationships, and deliver commercial value while supporting world-class passenger experiences within one of the UK's most dynamic environments.

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, you will drive category performance, develop innovative procurement solutions, and ensure suppliers consistently deliver against operational, commercial, and customer objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies that maximise value, minimise risk, and support business objectives
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including tendering, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract award
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver commercially effective procurement solutions
• Manage strategic supplier relationships, driving performance, continuous improvement, and value creation
• Provide market intelligence, commercial insight, and innovative thinking to support business priorities
• Identify and mitigate commercial and operational risks while ensuring compliance and governance standards are met
• Coach and support colleagues, promoting collaboration and best practice across the wider Procurement team
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance supplier performance and operational outcomes

About You

You will be a commercially minded procurement professional with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, manage complex supplier relationships, and deliver measurable business value

You will bring

• Proven experience developing category strategies and leading complex sourcing activities
• Strong commercial negotiation and contract management expertise
• Experience managing supplier performance and strategic supplier partnerships
• The ability to identify commercial opportunities, manage risk, and deliver continuous improvement
• Excellent stakeholder xwzovoh engagement, communication, and influencing skills
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with sound commercial judgement
• Experience leading, mentoring, or developing high-performing teams
• Experience within service-based or workforce-intensive procurement categories

Desirable Experience

• MCIPS qualified, or working towards accreditation
• Knowledge of outsourced service contracts and service delivery models
• Understanding of London Living Wage considerations and workforce-related procurement
• Experience operating within highly regulated, safety-critical, or operationally complex environments
• Demonstrable success leading change and continuous improvement programmes