Global Category Manager - Professional Services

Joining Arup 

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. 

We have recently implemented a finance change program on a global scale setting goals to become better coordinated in how we operate, to simplify how we work, automate more of what we do, improve efficiency and consistency in our processes, whilst building a stronger control environment to meet both the needs of ourselves and those of external organisations. Whilst always putting sustainable development at the heart of everything we do. As part of this, the Group Procurement team will be transforming and improving our operations globally. 

Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it! 

The Opportunity 

The Global Category manager will lead procurement activity within a range of professional and business services areas, such as legal, financial, outsourced advisory etc. - within a function that is pivoting towards a global-first approach.  You will use your experiences and skills to guide and help drive this transformation in your space with effective strategic procurement – through strategic sourcing, negotiation, contracting, commercial performance management and external market intelligence.  You will convey with, and influence, a wide range of stakeholders and be recognised as an expert in your category area, able to build strong relationships and deliver robust outcomes for the greater benefit of Arup, our members and our stakeholders. You will develop category strategies with business leaders and build plans to ensure collaborative delivery from both a global perspective and meeting the needs of our regional operations. Your outcomes will improve quality, performance and efficiency, whilst reducing costs and risks. 

Central to our procurement strategy, and your work, will be sustainable development, decarbonisation, and our values as an organisation. Our values - Arup You will report to the Global Head of Category Management, and work closely alongside others in the group, to ensure we optimise our opportunities within procurement.

Focus- Drive strategic procurement within your category, developing both global and local strategies to deliver cost improvements, efficiency, and value. Lead and support procurement projects, negotiations, and supplier relationships, ensuring alignment with global standards and risk policies. Build strong, partnerships across the business, utilizing data insights to inform decisions and track progress. 

Impact- Deliver impactful category management that enhances cost, quality, and service. Identify improvement opportunities, streamline processes, and inspire your team for career growth. Showcase procurement as a responsive, strategic function crucial to organizational success. 

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. 

You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve. 

Is this role right for you? 

We are looking for people who: 

• Have demonstrable procurement experience within the professional and business services category areas, such as financial services, outsourced providers, staffing legal within a professional services, or adjacent, industry with multi-regional exposure.  

•  Have knowledge of best practice approaches to procurement, negotiation, contracting and supplier relationship management for best overall value. 

•  Have strong knowledge of contracts within your category area – able to articulate and negotiate key risks and requirements for good contracting practice. 

• Can deliver change and improvement initiatives. You will be able to clearly articulate the challenges faced, and your approach to navigating change in a collaborative way. 

•  Are knowledgeable regarding procurement technology, functionality, and how best to harness it’s capabilities to deliver improvements to procurement processes and outcomes 

• You may hold a BSc and be professionally qualified (MCIPS) - or equivalent. 

Not ready to apply just yet, or have a few questions? Contact Thalia Rodriguez at thalia.rodriguez@arup.com, Please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email. 

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. 

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.  

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts. 

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different people, shared values 

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Simone Haigh at Simone.Haigh@Arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you. 

Our Application Process