Category Manager

Cannock, Staffordshire
Veolia

Category Manager – IT & Professional Services

Salary: Up to 60,000, car/allowance plus Veolia benefits
Location: Cannock (Hybrid working, with an expectation of 3 days per week in the office)

When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources, and help it become a better place for everyone. It’s why we’re looking for someone who’s just as committed as we are, to push for genuine change and bring our ambition of Ecological Transformation to life. We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

What we can offer you:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, plus option to buy up to 5 days
• Onsite Gym
• Access to our company pension scheme
• Discounts on everything from groceries to well-known retailers
• Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health
• 24 hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year
• One paid day’s leave every year to volunteer
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, including the opportunity to manage and develop a Category Specialist.

What you’ll be doing:

As a Category Manager for IT & Professional Services within the Procurement team, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic category management plans for a wide range of indirect spend. This includes IT (hardware, software, telecoms, services) and Professional Services (consultancy, legal, financial, insurance). This role focuses on managing a diverse portfolio of third-party suppliers to drive value, innovation, and performance on behalf of Veolia. You will lead competitive sourcing processes, negotiate complex commercial agreements, and manage key supplier relationships to ensure alignment with organisational objectives and Group Procurement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Sourcing & Negotiation:

• Lead end-to-end sourcing and tendering processes for IT and Professional Services.
• Negotiate competitive rates and complex contract terms with a wide range of suppliers, from global software providers to specialist consultancies.
• Conduct market analysis to ensure best value and innovation.
• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to achieve favourable and mutually beneficial outcomes.

Supplier Management:

• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with key suppliers to ensure optimal performance and value.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to suppliers.
• Monitor supplier compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage supplier risks and implement mitigation strategies as needed.
• Collaborate with suppliers on innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Category Strategy & Performance:

• Develop and execute category strategies for IT and Professional Services spend.
• Manage spend across diverse categories, identifying opportunities for consolidation, cost-savings, and service improvements.
• Measure and report on category performance using relevant KPIs and metrics.
• Identify and mitigate category-specific risks (e.g., data security, software compliance) to ensure business continuity.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (including IT, Legal, Finance, and insurance) to deliver category objectives.
• Engage with business units and Procurement Business Partners to understand specific needs and requirements.
• Interface with Group Procurement to ensure local category strategies are consistent with global directives.

Team Leadership:

• Manage and develop a Category Specialist, providing guidance and support.
• Delegate tasks appropriately to the team member, ensuring their growth and development.

What we’re looking for:

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field, or CIPS qualified (MCIPS) or working towards.
• Proven experience within a similar procurement or category management role, ideally within IT and/or Professional Services.
• Demonstrable experience running competitive tenders for complex spend categories.
• Strong track record of negotiating contracts for software, hardware, and/or corporate services.
• Experience managing third-party suppliers and service providers.
• Proficient skills in strategic procurement, contract management, business acumen, and supplier relationship management.
• Proficient understanding of sustainability and ESG knowledge.
• Understanding of commercial and legal principles, including data protection (GDPR) and software licensing.

Desirable:

• Chartered CIPS Status (MCIPS).
• MBA or relevant Master’s qualification.
• Experience within a large, complex, multi-site organisation.
• Knowledge of specific IT frameworks (e.g., ITIL) or experience in procuring legal/consultancy services.
• Supportive team player and inclusive collaborator with excellent communication skills.
• Innovative problem solver with the ability to work well under pressure.

What’s next?

Apply today, so we can make a difference for generations to come.

We’re proud to have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This consistent recognition reflects our commitment to our people, demonstrating that Veolia is not just transforming the environment, we’re also transforming what it means to have a rewarding, purposeful career.

We’re dedicated to supporting you throughout your application journey, offering adjustments where reasonable and appropriate. As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who opt-in to the Disability Confident scheme, and meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

We’re also committed to ensuring that all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.