Category Manager

Base Location: London office (as and when required onsite)

Rates: 300 -400 per day inside IR35 Umbrella

Working pattern: Hybrid working from nearby Equans office, Mon-Fri

EQUANS is a global leader in energy services, with nearly 100,000 employees in over 50 countries and an annual turnover of over 17 billion euros. In the UK & Ireland, EQUANS provides FM, regeneration, technical, and energy services, specialising in smart buildings, green mobility, district energy, as well as renewables. EQUANS' 13,500 UK & Ireland employees support the transition to net zero and digital and industrial transformations. EQUANS is a Bouygues group company.

The Category Manager at Equans UK&I plays a key role in driving value from procurement by strategically managing Hard Services categories such as lifts, lighting, doors, BMS, fire and security. The role focuses on developing long-term sourcing strategies, building strong supplier relationships, and leveraging spend to secure the best commercial outcomes. Working closely with internal stakeholders across operations, sustainability, and health & safety, the Category Manager ensures compliance, innovation, and continuous improvement while delivering cost savings, risk management, and enhanced service quality. This is a pivotal position within the Central Procurement team, directly contributing to business performance and client value.

Key Responsibilities

• You will develop and deliver category strategies for Hard Services (lifts, lighting, doors, BMS, fire & security).
• You will lead sourcing, tendering, contract renewals, and supplier negotiations to drive value and savings.
• You will be analysing spend, supplier markets, risks, and industry trends to optimise procurement outcomes.
• Build and manage strong supplier relationships, ensuring performance, compliance, and innovation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (operations, commercial, sustainability, H&S) to align procurement with business needs.
• You will monitor supplier performance, rebate programmes, cost benchmarking, and ensure contract compliance.
• Provide category expertise during bids, mobilisation, and operational projects to ensure competitive advantage.
• You'll drive continuous improvement, innovation, and sustainable procurement practices.
• Produce and present reports on spend, savings, compliance, and performance metrics.
• Support risk management, sustainability initiatives, and contribute to procurement policy compliance across the organisation.

Essential Skills & Experience

• You must have proven track record in procurement/category management (5+ years, preferably Hard Services/FM).
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills with commercial acumen.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• You must have strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and market insights.
• Solid knowledge of UK commercial contract law and procurement regulations.
• High-level communication and presentation skills (written, verbal, technical).
• Proficiency in procurement tools, reporting, and data analysis (Excel, ERP/e-sourcing tools).
• Experience delivering savings, cost optimisation, and value-driven procurement solutions.
• Familiarity with sustainability, CSR, and risk management in procurement.
• CIPS Level 5 (or working towards) preferred, with evidence of continuous professional development.