Category Manager (Business Operations)

Description:

Category Manager – Business Operations
12-Month Initial Contract
Copello are seeking an experienced Category Manager (Business Operations) to join an existing procurement team on an initial 12-month contract in the Berkshire area. This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional with strong indirect category management experience to drive value, optimise supplier relationships, and support key business stakeholders across a diverse portfolio of spend areas.
As Category Manager, you will be responsible for managing a broad range of indirect procurement categories, including:
* Facilities Management
* Human Resources
* Professional Services
* Legal Services
* Finance Services
You will lead end-to-end procurement activities, from sourcing strategy and tender management through to contract negotiation, implementation, supplier management, and contract renewal. Working closely with internal stakeholders, you will identify opportunities to maximise value, reduce risk, and promote best-practice procurement processes across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and implement category strategies across multiple indirect spend areas.
* Manage the full procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and contract award.
* Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and deliver commercially effective solutions.
* Ensure procurement activities achieve best value while maintaining quality, service, and compliance standards.
* Lead contract negotiations and manage commercial discussions with suppliers.
* Oversee ongoing supplier performance management, including service reviews, KPI tracking, and risk mitigation.
* Identify cost-saving and value-creation opportunities across the supply base.
* Promote procurement governance, policies, and best practice throughout the business.
* Support contract renewals, supplier rationalisation initiatives, and continuous improvement projects.
The successful Category Manager will have the following experience
* Proven experience in Category Management or Strategic Procurement within indirect spend categories.
* Strong knowledge of procurement across areas such as Facilities, HR, Professional Services, Legal, and Finance.
* Demonstrable end-to-end procurement experience, including tendering, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
* Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships across multiple business functions.
* Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and deliver value.
* Excellent negotiation, communication, and influencing skills.
* Strong understanding of procurement governance, risk management, and contract management principles.
* Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.
This role will require candidates to be based onsite 3 days a week.
Role is offering up to £450 per day (inside IR35)