Category Manager

Category Manager - Hard Services Hybrid working - access required to London / Ipswich Reporting to the Head of Hard FM Procurement, the Hard Services Category Manager will take strategic and commercial ownership of selected categories and projects within Hard Services, with particular responsibility for synergy identification and delivery following a recent acquisition. This includes rationalising and integrating two supply chains, consolidating spend, maximising savings delivery, strengthening PSL compliance and delivering measurable value for OCS UK & Ireland. This is a highly strategic and commercially critical role, responsible for planning, executing and delivering synergy benefits, leading complex negotiations, and partnering closely with stakeholders across the business. The Category Manager will be expected to provide insight, challenge assumptions, influence senior stakeholders and help shape the long-term direction of Hard Services Procurement.

• Previous Hard FM experience. Category Management experience E-Sourcing experience. Used to working with and negotiating Rebate agreements. Results driven with a flair for negotiation. Proven experience managing and developing category strategies Strong commercial capability Strong supplier management and stakeholder engagement Proven track record for delivering year-on-year savings and driving significant, sustainable cost reductions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Operational discipline, including audit trails, version control and clear governance. Ability to challenge stakeholders constructively A strong team player with the ability to work in a cross-functional team Proficient in Microsoft Tools (PowerPoint, Word and Intermediate Level Excel) Comfortable working with data and dashboards Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneously High level of integrity and dependability. Proactive,
detail-oriented and solution focused
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills CIPS qualification (Level 4+). Experience using Source to Contract Solutions such as Coupa Experience working in FM industry An understanding of how volume related discounts and rebates impact EBITDA Familiarity with framework agreements, call-off terms and client flow-down terms Key performance indicators: Performance targets will be set and reviewed quarterly, taking into consideration pipeline volume and maturity of supply chain and overall procurement targets. KPIs are likely to include:
• In-Year synergy value delivered within 12 months Supplier rationalisation (% of spend moved / # of suppliers exited) % of spend directed to preferred suppliers Positive Stakeholder feedback
  
  OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.
Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment. Why Work for OCS? Award-Winning Employer: Ranked 36th on Glassdoor's Best Companies to Work For 2025 - we value and motivate our people. Digital Learning: The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.