Global Category Manager - Indirect Procurement

About the role

Tate and Lyle is a successful organisation with a clear purpose, ambition, strategy, and strong expert talent, solely focused on achieving its' ambition as a world class ingredients solutions provider. We have expanded our plant-based footprint beyond corn into tapioca, stevia leaf, chickpea protein and soluble fibre to explore wider platforms for achieving our ambition. Achieving this ambition will require; development of new capabilities, reallocation of resources and investment to become a leaner, more agile company, leveraging latest technology, process insight and ways of working. About this role The Global Category Manager, Indirect Procurement, is responsible for shaping and delivering category strategies across selected indirect spend areas, with particular ownership for IT, Finance and Professional Services categories. The role operates in a global business environment and combines category strategy ownership, stakeholder influence and sourcing execution to deliver value across cost, quality, service, risk and compliance. Working closely with Indirect Procurement Leadership and business stakeholders, the role will provide input into the broader Indirect Procurement strategy, own category strategies for assigned areas, lead strategic sourcing and negotiations, and ensure suppliers, contracts and commercial arrangements support business priorities and transformation objectives. The role requires strong soft skills, including the ability to influence without authority, build credibility with Business Unit Directors and senior functional stakeholders, challenge demand constructively, and communicate complex procurement, commercial and contractual matters in a clear, business-relevant manner. Accountabilities Develop and own procurement plans for assigned indirect categories, including IT, Finance and Professional Services, ensuring they align to business priorities, functional objectives and the broader Indirect Procurement strategy, with clear plans for stakeholder engagement savings, value creation, risk reduction, supplier performance and resilience. Lead commercial renewal pipeline including negotiations with suppliers, securing competitive pricing and robust contractual terms that meet business, legal and operational requirements while managing supplier performance through reviews and continuous improvement actions. Analyze and interpret contracts, identifying risks, opportunities and compliance requirements, and provide clear recommendations to stakeholders, including Business Unit Directors and senior leadership, to support timely decision-making. Partner with leadership and cross-functional teams, including Finance, IT, Legal, HR, Supply Chain and business unit stakeholders, to align procurement activities with broader business goals and transformation initiatives. Ensure compliance with procurement policy, delegated authority, legal, regulatory, safety and ethical standards, working closely with Legal, Compliance, Audit, Finance and other control functions as required. Lead end-to-end project sourcing activity for assigned categories, including opportunity assessment, stakeholder alignment, market engagement, bid development, evaluation, negotiations, contracting, implementation and renewal management. Interface proactively with key stakeholders, Business Unit Directors and senior leadership to understand strategic direction, demand requirements, budget priorities and business objectives, and translate these into category and sourcing plans. Use deep knowledge of supplier markets, industry trends and commercial benchmarks to ensure category strategies and supplier programs remain competitive and relevant throughout the contract lifecycle. Provide clear, audience-appropriate communications and presentations to stakeholders so the business understands category strategy, sourcing options, market trends, business cases, supplier recommendations and implementation implications. Seek alternative and innovative solutions, challenge requirements and specifications constructively, and influence stakeholders toward commercially sound decisions that create competitive advantage and sustainable value. Act as a trusted procurement business partner, balancing stakeholder needs with policy compliance, risk management and long-term commercial outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Professional certifications a plus.
• 5-7+ years in strategic sourcing, category management or indirect procurement, with a proven track record of delivering year-over-year savings, value creation and supplier performance.
• Experience engaging senior stakeholders, including Business Unit Directors and functional leaders, in complex, cross-functional decision-making environments.
• Advanced understanding of procurement policies, business objectives, financial drivers and operating models relevant to global indirect categories, with the ability to apply these in strategic cate

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