Group Category Manager – Sub-Contracted Maintenance Services

Mecsia Group; Remote; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technical service provider in the UK seeks an experienced Group Category Manager for Sub-Contracted Maintenance Services. The role involves developing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance across business units. Candidates should have significant procurement experience in facilities management and strong negotiation skills. Join a growing group to optimize the maintenance supply chain and drive value.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in procurement within subcontracted facilities management or maintenance sectors.
• Strong commercial negotiation skills with a proven track record of delivering cost savings.
• Understanding of compliance requirements in maintenance services.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a category strategy for sub-contracted maintenance services.
• Lead the tendering and contract negotiation processes.
• Manage key supplier relationships and ensure performance meets standards.

Skills

Procurement experience

Commercial negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Line management experience

Job description

Group Category Manager – Sub-Contracted Maintenance Services

Location - UK Home based (with travel to group locations and contractor sites as required)

Mecsia is a leading UK provider of technical inspection, maintenance, and engineering services, aiming to transform the industry with a 'Local Service, National Reach' approach. The company has grown significantly through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, including seven business units serving large clients in different sectors including Commercial offices, healthcare and educational facilities. Under private equity ownership since 2020, Mecsia has expanded to approximately 1,200 employees, including 700 engineers. In 2024, Mecsia was acquired by Synova, recognised as PE house of the year for four of the last seven years, who supports an ambitious growth strategy through service excellence and further acquisitions.

With significant group-wide spend on subcontracted maintenance services, there is substantial opportunity for rationalisation and smarter buying, ensuring we leverage our scale while maintaining the high standard of delivery that has built the strong reputation of our group companies.

About the Role

Working with the Group Head of Procurement the Group Category Manager for Sub-Contracted Maintenance Services will own and deliver the procurement strategy for all third-party maintenance service providers across the group. This includes developing category strategies, managing key supplier relationships, driving cost efficiency, and ensuring consistent quality and compliance standards across all business units.

The role will be the primary commercial lead for subcontracted services and will work closely with operational teams to ensure subcontractor performance meets contractual, safety, and service requirements. You will also line-manage the Assistant Category Manager, delegating operational procurement tasks, data analysis, and administrative support, ensuring a cohesive approach to category management and staff development.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Delivery

• Develop, implement, and maintain a group-wide category strategy for sub-contracted maintenance services, ensuring alignment with business needs and objectives.
• Analyse spend, market trends, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for savings, service improvements, and supplier consolidation.
• Lead the tendering and contract negotiation processes, securing commercially advantageous terms.
• Establish strong relationships with key subcontractors to drive performance, innovation, and value.
• Implement supplier performance management frameworks, including KPIs, SLAs, and regular review meetings.
• Oversee supplier compliance with contractual, operational, and health & safety requirements.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with operational teams in each business unit to understand service requirements and resolve supplier-related issues.
• Act as the central point of contact for all strategic procurement matters relating to subcontracted services.
• Promote group procurement initiatives and ensure buy-in across all business units.

Governance, Reporting & Support

• Provide the Group Head of Procurement with regular updates, reports, and insights on category performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Line-manage and mentor the Assistant Category Manager to ensure effective delivery of day-to-day procurement tasks and individual growth.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with group policies, ethical standards, and legal requirements.

Key Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in procurement within subcontracted facilities management, or maintenance sectors.
• Strong commercial negotiation skills with a proven track record of delivering cost savings and value improvements.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and performance across multiple locations/business units.
• Understanding of compliance requirements in maintenance services (health & safety, statutory regulations).
• Experience on managing and implementing framework agreements
• Proven track record and understanding on procurement contract legal requirements and risks including terms and conditions.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in line management or mentoring.

Why Join Us?

This is a high-impact role in a growing, multi-business group. You will directly help to shape how we source, manage, and optimise our subcontracted maintenance supply chain — with the support of a dedicated Assistant Category Manager — ensuring we deliver service excellence while achieving commercial value.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability.

Apply now

Need more info?

Our Group Head of Recruitment, Yasmin will answer your questions.

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