Senior Global category manager

Senior Global Category Manager at Sodexo Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Full‑time Join our dynamic procurement team as the Global Foodservice Category Manager, where you'll lead strategic sourcing across Kitchen Equipment, Foodservice Disposables, and Reusables. This pivotal role drives global category strategy and European sourcing initiatives, blending agile supply management with responsible sourcing innovation. You'll collaborate with regional buyers, operational leaders, and cross‑functional stakeholders to implement new supply processes, leverage eSourcing platforms, and share market intelligence. Ideal candidates bring deep procurement expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to influence across regions. Main Responsibilities Category Strategy Development: Design and implement integrated foodservice category strategies to enhance cost‑effectiveness and supplier performance. Cross‑functional Collaboration: Partner with stakeholders from foodservice, including business segments, foodservice platform teams, marketing and global brands, as well as regional procurement teams to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with broader business goals. Supplier Market Insights: Research market trends, monitor supplier performance, and apply best practices to identify value‑creation opportunities within the Foodservice categories. Supplier Relationship Management: Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with foodservice global suppliers and other key partners across Europe, promoting high standards in service delivery and cost efficiency. Contract & Compliance Oversight: Lead European contracting processes with Legal Counsel, setting clear SLAs, ensuring compliance, and negotiating terms aligned with best procurement practices. Data‑Driven Decision Making: Address data access and systems limitations to optimize decision‑making, using data insights to guide strategies and achieve cost savings. Process Optimization: Leverage continuous improvement practices to enhance procurement processes, streamline cross‑regional collaboration, and develop innovative approaches to category management. Market Research: Attend events, exhibitions, work with innovation teams, marketing and global brand teams to present innovative and sustainable disposable, reusable and kitchen equipment solutions to the business acting as a gatekeeper and innovator to drive market leadership. The Ideal Candidate Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, or related field; MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification is advantageous. Experience: Extensive experience in procurement across multiple categories; a foundational background in Foodservice or packaging procurement is preferred. Strategic and Operational Balance: Skilled in both high‑level strategy development and operational implementation, with the flexibility to adapt across categories. Relationship Building & Influence: Excellent interpersonal skills, adept at engaging and influencing stakeholders across various levels and cultures. Analytical Skills: Strong financial analysis, problem‑solving abilities, and capability to manage complex procurement challenges. Continuous Improvement Orientation: Committed to enhancing procurement processes and pursuing innovative category management approaches. Languages: Fluent in English; proficiency in French or other languages can be an advantage. Package Description Competitive salary depending on experience + bonus + car allowance. Benefits 20+ Sodexo benefits, including a retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands, gym discounts, and a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support, legal and financial advice. 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. Equal Opportunity Employer We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We’re an equal‑opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer committed to changing attitudes toward disability and ensuring disabled people can fulfil their aspirations. Apply Today Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today #J-18808-Ljbffr