Equans UK & Ireland
Category Manager
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Category Manager (Lead Buyer) – Remote Role
Location: Remote-based (working from home) Contract Type: Permanent, full-time Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, and comprehensive benefits package
About the Role
Equans is seeking a Category Manager (Lead Buyer) to lead a team of buyers in maximising financial value, delivering operational procurement services, and enhancing Procurement’s visibility within Equans P&C.
The successful candidate will oversee the implementation of new supplier/subcontractor contracts, drive ongoing value and savings, and act as a trusted advisor to multiple contracts across various sites. They will manages supplier relationships, streamline procurement processes, and align solutions with Procurment’s Policy & Strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Manage a team of buyers to deliver operational procurement excellence, ensuring cost certainty and profit improvement.
- Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with suppliers, business units, and stakeholders to act as the conduit between procurement and internal/external partners.
- Raise the visibility and perception of the Procurement function within Equans.
Savings & Performance Delivery
- Drive bottom-line savings by identifying cost-efficient suppliers and optimising purchasing best practices.
- Engage with internal stakeholders to understand needs and deliver tailored Procurement solutions.
- Deliver on in-year savings targets while proactively seeking new opportunities for value enhancement.
Supplier & Contract Management
- Oversee sourcing and management of specialist suppliers aligning with business unit needs—ensuring best value, risk reduction, and quality service.
- Conduct procurement activities (e.g., negotiations, contract renewals) to ensure compliance, risk mitigation, and financial performance.
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Team Leadership & Development
- Manage a buying team, including succession planning, performance reviews, and staff development.
- Foster a collaborative, flexible approach, working closely with both UK Buisness Unit (UKBU) and wider Procurement teams.
Innovation & Process Improvement
- Identify innovation opportunities that enhance end-customer experience.
- Streamline procurement processes to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden.
Sustainability & Compliance
- Support Equans’ sustainability commitments, ensuring alignment with environmental and ethical procurement goals.
What We Offer
This role comes with an attractive salary package, including:
- 25 days’ annual leave (+ public holidays)
- Life cover equivalent to 2x salary
- Employee discount schemes for major retailers and brands
- Gym membership discounts
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Holiday purchase scheme
- 2 corporate social responsibility (CSR) days per year
- Learning & development opportunities, including:
- Professional qualifications
- Collective/individual training programmes
- Personalised career support
- Employee referral rewards scheme
- Access to equity networks:
- WIE (Women in Equans)
- RISE (BAME Network)
- LGBTQI+, Working Parents, YPN (Young Professionals Network), and Disability Network
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a mental wellbeing app
Requirements
Core Competencies
- Procurement Expertise:
- Strong understanding of procurement processes, risk management, and contract compliance.
- Ability to drive better financial and operational performance in contracted services.
- Communication:
- Proficient in engaging with internal/external stakeholders, contractors, and suppliers at all levels.
- Tailored communication skills—adapting tone and approach to the audience while maintaining clarity.
- Influence & Collaboration:
- Ability to advocate for procurement, improving contracts, and supplier negotiations.
- Commitment to fostering team collaboration, especially across UKBU and wider procurement, groups.
- Financial & Strategic Awareness:
- Work closely with finance teams to address financial performance and improvement.
- Align procurement strategies with business goals while maintaining commercial foresight.
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About Equans
Equans is a global leader in energy and technical services, with 99,000 employees across 50+ countries and an annual turnover exceeding €17 billion.
In the UK & Ireland, Equans delivers:
- Smart buildings solutions
- Green mobility services
- District energy & renewables projects
The 13,500-strong UK & Irish team supports businesses, public sector, and government in embracing net-zero energy transitions, alongside digital and industrial advancements.
Equans is part of the Bouygues Group.
What’s Next?
- Apply today via the provided link—your application will be reviewed by the Equans Resourcing Team.
- Equans values diversity and inclusion, with employee networks encouraging a welcoming and open workplace for all.
- Minimum requirement: Proof of the right to work in the UK.
(Note: This role does not include relocation support. Some positions may require *Disclosure checks; this will be clarified later. All enquiries for this role should be directed exclusively to the Resourcing Team.)
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