Procurement Category Manager - Corporate

Company Description/ Business Unit

Location: Basingstoke (hybrid working 3 office days per week)

Employment Type: 6-month Fixed Term Contract (FTC)

Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again.

For over a century, we've been evolving and adapting. Today, as the nation's leading motoring organisation, we offer a wide range of products and services to millions of customers. From roadside assistance to home and motor insurance, and the latest driving technologies, we have it all. As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, joining us as a Procurement Category Manager - Corporate means you'll play a crucial role in our success and be part of this exciting motoring journey.

Our Chief Operating Office (COO) are the backbone of The AA, providing both stability and structure to support growth and innovation. We are the drivers of change.

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This is the job

We’re looking for a Category Manager - Corporate to join our Procurement function and play a key role in delivering value across a diverse and high-impact corporate spend portfolio. This role partners closely with senior stakeholders across the business, shaping sourcing strategies, managing key suppliers and driving commercial outcomes in a complex and fast-moving environment.

You’ll be comfortable operating with autonomy, navigating ambiguity, and proactively identifying opportunities to improve cost, risk and service delivery across categories including Property & Facilities, HR, Finance, Professional Services and Business Services.

What will I be doing?

• Develop and deliver category and sourcing strategies that maximise value, manage risk and ensure security of supply
• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across multiple functions, influencing decisions through commercial insight
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activity, including supplier selection, contract negotiation and ongoing supplier management
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying cost efficiencies, value-creation opportunities and innovative supplier solutions
• Own supplier performance, governance and risk management using data, KPIs and market insight
• Champion procurement policy, compliance and best practice across the organisation

What do I need?

• Strong experience in category management across corporate sectors i.e., Property & Facilities, HR and/or Finance within an indirect procurement environment
• Proven experience managing stakeholders across multiple business functions, including senior leaders
• A highly proactive mindset, with the confidence to operate effectively in ambiguous and evolving environments
• Strong commercial capability, including contract negotiation, supplier management and cost optimisation
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence, challenge constructively and build trust
• Experience working with procurement systems, data and insights to support sound decision-making

Additional information

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
• Company funded life assurance
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family

Plus, so much more!

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.

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