HR and Travel Procurement Category Manager

1st Executive Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement consultancy in the UK is looking for an HR and Travel Procurement Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing initiatives across HR and Travel categories. The ideal candidate will develop category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. This role requires strong strategic sourcing skills, experience with multi-country negotiations, and a bachelor's degree. Join a values-driven team that prioritizes collaboration and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Experience managing HR and/or Travel categories.
• Strong background in global strategic sourcing and category management.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies across HR and Travel.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives including RFXs and negotiations.
• Manage strategic and operational supplier relationships.

Skills

Global strategic sourcing

Category management

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Advanced Excel

Advanced PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Ariba

Job description

HR and Travel Procurement Category Manager - great team!

Contact: Sally Davis

Contact email: [e-mail]

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement

• Develop and execute category strategies across HR and Travel, including Talent Acquisition, Employee Health and Wellbeing, Benefits, Training, Travel and Fleet.
• Ensure alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives, including RFXs, negotiations and contract implementation.

Business Partnering

• Build strong, credible with HR and Travel leaders.
• Translate business needs into tailored sourcing solutions.
• Influence decision‑making through insight, data and commercial expertise.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Manage strategic and operational supplier relationships.
• Negotiate commercial terms that balance cost, quality and risk.
• Foster partnerships that encourage innovation, performance improvement and long‑term value.

Process Improvement and Innovation

• Leverage market intelligence and technology to drive efficiencies.
• Identify and introduce innovative products, services and sourcing approaches.
• Model costs, test new ideas and measure performance outcomes.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure appropriate contractual terms and compliance frameworks are in place.
• Prepare category performance reports for senior procurement leadership.

Leadership and Impact

• Support optimisation of a large, multi‑country indirect spend portfolio.
• Deliver annual savings through structured sourcing initiatives.
• Represent the organisation professionally within the supplier community.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (preferred).
• Experience managing HR and/or Travel categories (preferred).
• Strong background in global strategic sourcing and category management.
• Experience with multi‑country negotiations and complex contracts.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Experience with e‑sourcing and P2P tools (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Ariba or similar).
• Strong analytical, commercial and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint capabilities.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact within a globally connected, values‑driven procurement function that prioritises collaboration, professional growth and shared success.