Category Manager – Opex
Senior Category Manager – Operations Procurement (Critical Infrastructure)
Location: Marcoussis, France (hybrid)
Reporting to: Group Procurement Manager
About the Opportunity
We are partnering with a leading European infrastructure platform operating highly technical, mission-critical environments. The organisation designs, builds, and operates large-scale assets that support digital and industrial ecosystems across multiple countries.
This is a key hire within the Group Procurement function, offering the opportunity to drive operational procurement strategy and supplier performance across a fast-growing, international environment.
Role Overview
As Senior Category Manager – Operations Procurement, you will lead sourcing activity across operational and asset lifecycle categories, covering both Opex and Capex spend.
You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity, performance, and optimisation of critical sites by managing supplier ecosystems, driving cost efficiencies, and supporting operational teams with high-quality, reliable service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Procurement & Supplier Management (Core focus)
Manage procurement for day-to-day site operations within mission-critical environments, including:
- Multi-technical maintenance (HVAC, electrical, cooling systems)
- Facility management services (cleaning, waste, technical services)
- Physical security (guarding, access control, surveillance systems)
- IT infrastructure, connectivity, and technical equipment
- Spare parts and maintenance-related consumables
Ensure service continuity and uptime through robust supplier selection, SLAs, and performance monitoring
Act as a key interface between procurement and operational teams to support reactive and planned maintenance needs
Implement framework agreements and catalogues to streamline operational purchasing
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Define and execute category strategies aligned with business growth and operational priorities
- Lead RFx processes and international tenders across multiple service and equipment categories
- Identify and onboard new suppliers to strengthen resilience and competitiveness
Contract Negotiation & Performance Management
- Negotiate complex contracts with a focus on cost, service quality, and risk mitigation
- Track supplier KPIs, drive continuous improvement, and ensure contract compliance
Cost Control & Reporting
- Manage procurement budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities (TCO-driven)
- Provide regular reporting and insights to support decision-making
Risk, Compliance & Sustainability
- Mitigate supply chain risks in a high-availability operational environment
- Ensure compliance with internal governance and regulatory standards
- Integrate sustainability and responsible sourcing practices
Candidate Profile
Experience
- Significant experience in procurement / category management, covering both operational (Opex) and project (Capex) spend
- Strong experience in critical infrastructure, industrial, or technical facility environments
- Proven track record managing operational buying categories (maintenance, FM, security, IT services, technical equipment)
- Experience leading international tenders and complex negotiations
Skills
- Strong expertise in supplier management, contract negotiation, and cost optimisation
- Analytical mindset (TCO, cost modelling, risk analysis)
- Ability to operate in fast-paced, multi-site environments
- Fluent in English and French
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, ownership-driven, and solutions-oriented
- Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills
- Adaptable and comfortable managing multiple priorities across geographies
Why Apply
- Strategic role with high visibility across European operations
- Direct impact on operational performance and site reliability
- Exposure to complex, technical environments and large-scale infrastructure programmes
- Opportunity to shape procurement practices within a growing, international platform