Category Lead – Capital Programmes, FM, Property & Utilities
Farnborough (Hybrid – 3 days onsite)
A leading global organisation operating at the forefront of defence, security, and advanced technology is seeking an experienced Category Lead to drive strategic procurement across Capital Programmes, Facilities Management (FM), Property, and Utilities.
With significant annual spend and a complex supplier landscape, this is a high-impact leadership role offering the opportunity to shape strategy, deliver transformation, and influence senior stakeholders across the business.
The Role
You will lead a specialist category team responsible for managing substantial spend across construction, FM (hard and soft), utilities, and property. This role combines strategic leadership, commercial delivery, and transformation to drive measurable value and operational excellence.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading category transformation aligned to long-term growth strategy
- Developing and executing end-to-end sourcing and supplier strategies
- Acting as a strategic partner to senior stakeholders, influencing business outcomes
- Leading complex, high-value negotiations and commercial activities
- Managing supplier risk, governance, and compliance frameworks
- Driving supplier innovation, sustainability, and ESG initiatives
- Embedding digital procurement tools, data, and analytics to enhance performance
- Building and leading a high-performing, future-focused team
About You
You are a strategic procurement leader with strong commercial acumen and a track record of delivering value in complex environments. You bring both technical expertise and the ability to influence at senior levels.
You will demonstrate:
- Extensive experience in procurement/category management within construction, FM, property, or utilities
- Strong leadership capability with experience managing and developing teams
- Expertise in contract negotiation and commercial strategy (NEC experience desirable)
- Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including C-suite interaction
- A data-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation
Experience & Qualifications
- Professional qualification (e.g. MCIPS, MRICS) or working towards
- Experience in construction contracts, regulations (e.g. CDM), and FM categories
- Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and deliver commercial outcomes