Category Manager

Are you ready to make your mark in the world of Formula 1?

At Formula 1, we are passionate about delivering the world’s greatest sports and entertainment spectacle leaving a positive legacy wherever we race. Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do ever since our first Grand Prix in 1950. Now, 75 years on, the sport remains a pioneer, developing technologies that have made a significant impact on society beyond the track.

Everything you see on screen or at an event comes via our passionate and dedicated people. Whether its engineering, broadcast, legal, logistics, security, event management, commercial, media rights, marketing, or communications there is always a talented team working to maximise the potential of the sport.

We are seeking a commercially driven and strategic Procurement Category Manager to lead sourcing and contract initiatives within F1’s global logistics transformation programme. This role will support the shift from airfreight to sea freight, working closely with project teams to deliver cost-effective, sustainable, and resilient supply solutions. The successful candidate will bring deep procurement expertise, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and a passion for driving operational excellence in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

Main Responsibilities and Duties

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Engage with new and existing suppliers to ensure robust commercial and contractual agreements.
• Identify and deliver sourcing opportunities through spend analysis and market research.
• Negotiate bespoke contract terms and statements of work to support risk and commercial priorities.

Project Planning & Execution

• Collaborate with project teams to align procurement plans with logistics transformation goals.
• Create and socialize project plans using spend data and analysis.

Engineering & Specifications

• Interpret and apply engineering drawings and technical specifications in procurement decisions.
• Work closely with engineering teams to ensure sourced goods meet performance and quality standards.
• Support supplier qualification and product validation processes.

Manufacturing & Goods Supply

• Manage procurement activities related to the manufacture and supply of goods across various categories.
• Apply generalist procurement knowledge to support sourcing decisions across both logistics and manufacturing domains.

Contract & Risk Management

• Draft and manage contracts including Framework Agreements, MSAs, and Statements of Work.
• Ensure contracts include KPIs, SLAs, and performance tracking requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop effective relationships with internal stakeholders including PMO, Finance, Legal, Health & Safety, Strategy, and Compliance.
• Influence and drive behavioral change across the organisation and supply chain.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Continuously improve procurement processes to enhance efficiency and best practices.
• Support supplier due diligence and ensure adherence to SOX and financial obligations.

Knowledge and Skills Required 

• Expertise in drafting and negotiating robust and detailed contracts to meet business objectives including Framework Agreements/MSAs, Statements of Work, and associated KPIs/SLAs, along with any additional relevant performance tracking requirements.
• Expert knowledge and experience of the strategic sourcing of goods throughout the world.
• Excellent communication with strong written and presentation skills and an engaging style.
• Ability to drive strategic initiatives through the full life cycle, managing effective communication across senior levels of the organisation, often under challenging timeframes.
• Experience of generating fact-based insights through analysis using tools and techniques to provide strategic direction, including competency using Excel / pivot tables.
• Ability to influence and drive behavioural change both internally and throughout the supply chain.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, up to C Suite, and ability to challenge difficult stakeholders when appropriate. Ability to pivot where directed or necessary between business priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Working knowledge of P2P and Procurement systems, preferably Microsoft D365 and Medius.
• To be self-motivated, work under own initiative and to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to work confidently when processes are not fully defined, or in an environment where there are ambiguities.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years procurement experience at a Category Manager level position within a demanding project-driven environment.
• MCIPS required as a minimum.
• Experience of managing contracts across goods, high value agreements with global suppliers.
• Experience of setting up, managing, and calling off from Framework agreements and Statement of Works

Why join the force behind the sport?

Joining F1 means becoming part of a team that values innovation, collaboration and personal growth. We offer a dynamic work environment where ideas are heard, and employee contributions truly make an impact. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people to play their role in accelerating the future of the sport. As a member of the F1 team, you will be able to access our amazing benefits:

• Private Healthcare scheme  

• Dental Care 

• 4 x Grand Prix Paddock passes per season  

• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave and other family planning policies 

• A free staff shuttle service running to and from surrounding trains stations near to Biggin Hill   

• Free healthy snacks in our offices 

• Subsidised canteen in Biggin Hill, serving breakfast and lunch 

• 25 days annual leave and 8 Bank Holiday days, plus a Christmas period closure  

• Opportunities to develop and request training for your role via our in-house Learning and Development team  

• Discount on F1 merchandise 

• Discount at F1’s experiences including F1 Arcade and F1 Drive 

• Perkbox benefit portal and more

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