Global Cat Manager – HR Systems & People Services

Overview

As Global Category Manager, you will lead procurement and supplier management for HR and People Services with a multi-region scope and a substantial spend. You will shape category strategies, drive cross-functional collaboration with HR, Finance and business leaders, and deliver sustainable cost savings, supplier innovation, and risk management. This role offers the chance to influence workforce strategy and transformation programs on a global scale. You will work closely with senior stakeholders to enable strategic partnerships and value creation.

Pay / Benefits

• bonus
• benefits package

Responsibilities

• Develop global category strategies aligned to objectives and workforce priorities
• Create multi-year category roadmaps covering sourcing, supplier consolidation, risk mitigation and value creation
• Deliver cost savings, cost avoidance and process efficiencies across HR and People Services
• Monitor market trends and supplier capabilities to identify innovation opportunities
• Lead global sourcing events, RFPs, negotiations and supplier selections
• Negotiate and manage high-value contracts with global/regional providers
• Ensure contracts address risk, compliance, data privacy and performance requirements
• Establish executive-level supplier relationships and drive governance via KPIs and reviews
• Partner with senior HR, Finance, Legal and Risk to understand workforce requirements and act as trusted procurement advisor
• Support major transformation programmes and workforce strategies through procurement leadership
• Ensure procurement activity complies with governance, regulatory requirements and policies
• Support ESG, diversity and sustainability objectives across the supply base
• Manage sub-categories including RPO, Executive Search, Contingent Labour, Learning & Development, Payroll, Benefits, Relocation, Health & Wellbeing, HR Technology, and Diversity & Inclusion

Key requirements

• Extensive procurement/category management experience in HR, Professional Services or Indirect Procurement
• Proven track record managing global spend portfolios >£100m annually
• Demonstrated cost savings and commercial value delivery
• Strong experience in strategic sourcing and complex supplier negotiations
• Experience engaging and influencing senior executives (CHRO, CFO)
• Strong supplier relationship and contract management skills
• Excellent analytical, financial and commercial acumen

• Strategic Thinking
• Executive Stakeholder Management
• Commercial Negotiation
• Strategic sourcing and RFP management
• Contract negotiation and management
• Supplier governance and KPI dashboards

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