Regional Category Manager

CompanyArdagh Group

LocationChester, England, United Kingdom

Posted At1/8/2026

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Analytics are greyed out due to low classification confidence (39.0%).

Occupation Type

Purchasing managers and directors

Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£54,700 (£28.05 per hour)

Occupation rate applies

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Description

Regional Category Manager – IT & Professional Services (Europe)

We are seeking a high-impact Regional Category Manager for IT & Professional Services to develop European strategy and lead category across European market while being an integral part of our global category leadership network. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape procurement strategy at scale, drive digital and service innovation, and create measurable business value across a complex, international organization.

You will act as a strategic business partner to key functional stakeholders, while managing critical supplier ecosystems across software, infrastructure, telecom, and professional services. This role combines strategic ownership, commercial excellence, and hands-on execution in a fast-paced global environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the European strategy for IT & Professional Services category, fully aligned with the global category roadmap.
Act as a trusted business partner to regional and global stakeholders, translating business demand into high-impact sourcing strategies.
Drive end-to-end sourcing execution, including market analysis, budgeting, cost modeling, and total cost of ownership (TCO).

Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, ensuring performance, innovation, risk management, and long-term value creation.

Lead complex commercial negotiations and contract finalization in close collaboration with Legal.

Actively monitor market trends, digital innovation, and best practices to continuously enhance category performance.

Identify and deliver value creation opportunities through cost optimization, standardization, demand management, and process improvement.

Contribute to global category governance and best-practice sharing across regions.

Ensure full compliance with internal procurement standards, ESG principles, and external regulatory requirements.

Key Requirements

University degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, IT, or related field; professional procurement certifications are a strong advantage.
5–10 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, Consulting, or IT Sourcing within an international environment.
Strong hands-on experience in IT & Professional Services sourcing, including: Software & licensing, IT infrastructure & cloud, Telecommunications, Consulting & professional services

Proven track record in strategic sourcing, contracting & negotiations and supplier relationship management

Ability to operate effectively in a matrix, multicultural, and fast-paced global organization.

Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Strong analytical and financial acumen.

Ability to think strategically while driving execution with discipline and speed.

Fluency in English; additional European languages are a plus.

Advanced skills in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP and e-sourcing tools is an advantage.

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies

Strategic mindset with strong execution focus
Change leadership and transformation mindset
Customer & stakeholder orientation
Target-driven and performance-focused
Cross-functional collaboration
Ability to build strong supplier and stakeholder ecosystems

Closing date for applications; 21.01.26.