Category Manager - 14 month fixed-term contract

Job description

We're looking for a proactive and commercially minded Category Manager to join us on a 14-month fixed-term contract. The role is based at our Victoria Street office in London, with hybrid working and an expectation of 1-2 days per week in the office. You'll help shape and deliver category strategies that optimise spend, strengthen supplier relationships and improve commercial outcomes. Building on the foundations of our cost optimisation programme, you'll identify opportunities to drive value, challenge existing ways of working and turn insight into practical improvements. You'll work across a varied portfolio of corporate spend, taking ownership of strategic sourcing activity, leading commercial negotiations and influencing decisions. We're interested in people who combine strong analytical and commercial skills with the confidence to challenge constructively, build trusted relationships and deliver measurable results. Key responsibilities Develop and complete comprehensive category strategies aligned with organisational objectives and business goals Manage and nurture strategic supplier and vendor relationships, ensuring efficient performance and value delivery Analyse market trends, competitive landscapes and category data to find opportunities for cost savings and process optimisation Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve procurement processes, enhance efficiency and drive organisational change Conduct detailed spend analysis and category modelling to support strategic decision-making and budget planning Negotiate contracts and commercial terms with suppliers, balancing cost, quality and service requirements Monitor category performance against benchmarks and indicators, providing transparent reporting and actionable insights to interested parties Collaborate with internal teams across the organisation to understand category requirements and align solutions with business needs Identify and implement innovative solutions that improve category performance and support business growth Champion a customer-focused approach, ensuring category decisions positively impact end-user happiness and experience Support the induction and development of team members, encouraging a collaborative and encouraging working environment About you You'll be commercially curious, analytical and comfortable taking ownership of your work. You'll enjoy finding opportunities to improve how things are done, building cross-functional relationships and turning complex information into clear recommendations. You'll also bring: Relevant experience in category management, strategic sourcing or procurement Experience contributing to or delivering category strategies, sourcing projects and spend optimisation initiatives. Strong commercial negotiation skills, including experience working with suppliers on tenders, contracts, pricing and terms. Ability to analyse spend and market information, find opportunities and demonstrate measurable results. Confidence working with partners across different functions and levels of seniority, including the ability to offer constructive challenges and influence decisions. Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver against deadlines. A proactive, improvement-focused approach, with the judgement and resilience to navigate changing priorities. A commitment to integrity, transparency and ethical business practices. A procurement qualification such as CIPS is desirable, but we're more interested in the experience, commercial judgement and results you can bring. Experience in a particular industry isn't essential. We're open to candidates from a range of sectors who can demonstrate relevant procurement and category management expertise. Our values Passion Curiosity Integrity Brilliance Respect Equal opportunities We are committed to ensuring that every job applicant and employee is valued for their individual talents. We strictly prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or parental status, religion, or belief. We proudly support an inclusive work environment where everyone can compete and succeed based on their merits. LGC is a global life sciences tools company with a simple purpose: Science for a Safer World. Our work helps scientists and organisations around the world diagnose and treat disease, improve the safety of food and water, and develop the medicines and technologies of the future. Across LGC, our Corporate teams provide the expertise and support that help our businesses and people succeed. Procurement plays an important role in how LGC operates globally. Our team partners with colleagues across the business to get the best from our suppliers and spend, finding opportunities to improve value, strengthen relationships and support better commercial decisions.