Senior Global Category Manager Cleaning chemicals

We are looking for a Global Senior Category Manager – Cleaning Chemicals to join our team in Stevenage, UK. In this strategic global role, you will lead category and sourcing strategies for Cleaning Chemicals, including Products, Dispensers, and Service, partnering with stakeholders across multiple regions to drive value, supplier performance, and procurement excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape category management best practices and influence global sourcing decisions within a collaborative and evolving procurement environment.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit

Sodexo Careers

Main Responsibilities

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Category Strategy Development

Own and implement integrated Cleaning Chemicals category strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness and supplier performance in line with business needs.

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Cross-functional Collaboration

Partner with stakeholders across the cleaning category, including business segments / operations, cleaning platform teams (including Food & FM specifics), as well as regional procurement teams to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with broader business goals.

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Supplier Market Insights

Research market trends, monitor supplier performance, and apply best practices to identify value-creation opportunities within the category.

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Supplier Relationship Management

Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with Cleaning Chemical global suppliers and other key partners across the globe, promoting high standards in service delivery and cost efficiency.

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Contract & Compliance Oversight

Lead Global contracting processes with Legal Counsel, setting clear SLAs, ensuring compliance, and negotiating terms aligned with best procurement practices.

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Data-Driven Decision Making

Address data access and systems limitations to optimize decision-making, using data insights to guide strategies and achieve cost savings.

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Process Optimization

Leverage continuous improvement practices to enhance procurement processes, streamline cross-regional collaboration, and develop innovative approaches to category management.

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Market Research

Attend events, exhibitions, work with innovation teams, marketing and global brand teams to present innovative and sustainable solutions to the business acting as a gatekeeper and innovator to drive market leadership.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements

The Ideal Candidate

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Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, or related field; MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification is advantageous.

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Experience

8-10 years in procurement with experience across multiple categories; a demonstratable background in Cleaning Chemicals, dispensers, and equipment maintenance / service procurement is preferred.

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Strategic and Operational Balance

Skilled in both high-level strategy development and operational implementation, with the flexibility to adapt across categories.

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Relationship Building & Influence

Excellent interpersonal skills, adept at engaging and influencing stakeholders across various levels and cultures.

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Analytical Skills

Strong financial analysis, problem-solving abilities, and capability to manage complex procurement challenges.

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Continuous Improvement Orientation

Committed to enhancing procurement processes and pursuing innovative category management approaches.

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Languages

Fluent in English; proficiency in French or other languages can be an advantage.

Package Description

Competitive salary depending on experience

Needs to be based close to one of Sodexo offices. (Stevenage/Manchester/London)

Travel to Stevenage office or International Travel will be required on average 1-2 days a week

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater.

You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.

For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.