Category Manager - Professional Services

Category Manager | Professional Services Procurement

Location: Netherlands or Belgium (Hybrid)

Full-time Role

WestPoint Search is supporting an international organisation as it appoints a Category Manager Professional Services to lead strategic procurement across multiple indirect spend categories during a period of significant business and procurement transformation.

Professional Services play an important role in supporting the organisation's operations and long-term development. From IT services and consultancy to Marketing, Communications and HR services, the business is strengthening the supplier partnerships that support its transformation, improve efficiency and deliver sustainable commercial value.

This is an opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to take ownership of a broad category portfolio, lead a team of Category Buyers and become a trusted commercial partner to senior stakeholders across the business.

You will not simply oversee contracts or manage supplier relationships. You will shape category strategy, lead complex sourcing initiatives, challenge business requirements and determine how the organisation selects, manages and gets the best from its external service providers.

You will work closely with senior leadership across HR, IT, Marketing and Communications, bringing commercial discipline and strategic thinking to a varied portfolio while helping develop the wider procurement function.

What you will do:

• Develop and execute category strategies across Professional Services, including IT services, Marketing, Communications, HR services and consultancy
• Lead, coach and develop a team of two Category Buyers, supporting their performance and professional development
• Take ownership of strategic sourcing initiatives, complex supplier negotiations and commercial agreements
• Partner with senior stakeholders to understand business requirements, challenge demand and develop effective sourcing strategies
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, ensuring strong commercial performance and long-term value
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, standardisation and improved commercial terms across multiple categories
• Drive collaboration between procurement categories and business functions to maximise efficiencies and commercial opportunities
• Strengthen supplier governance, contract compliance and performance management across the portfolio
• Support wider business transformation by improving how external services are sourced, managed and delivered
• Help further professionalise the procurement function, contributing to its strategic direction and role as a trusted partner to the business

What we are looking for:

• Strong experience in strategic procurement or category management, ideally across Professional Services or other indirect spend categories
• A proven track record of developing category strategies, leading complex sourcing activity and negotiating commercial agreements
• Experience across categories such as IT services, Marketing, HR services, consultancy or other business-critical services
• Previous leadership experience, with the ability to coach, develop and manage procurement professionals
• The confidence and communication skills to build credibility with senior stakeholders and challenge existing sourcing approaches
• Strong commercial judgement, with evidence of delivering value through cost improvements, supplier partnerships and procurement efficiencies
• Someone who thinks strategically but remains close to delivery, with a practical approach to solving problems and driving results
• Experience working within complex, international or matrix organisations, with an understanding of effective procurement governance
• Fluency in English, with Dutch or French language skills considered an advantage
• Flexibility to work across the Netherlands and Belgium, with a weekly presence in Amersfoort

The role will suit an established Category Manager looking for broader strategic ownership and leadership responsibility, or an experienced procurement professional ready to take the next step into a position with greater influence across the business.

You will join an international procurement function with a clear mandate to strengthen supplier partnerships, improve commercial performance and support business transformation. Reporting directly to the Group Procurement Director, you will also form part of the Procurement Leadership Team, with the opportunity to influence procurement strategy and develop a team.

The role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including a company car, performance-related bonus and hybrid working arrangements.

If you are a strategic procurement professional who wants to lead meaningful sourcing activity, develop a team and shape how an international organisation manages its Professional Services spend, please get in touch directly or apply via LinkedIn.