Category Manager - Business Travel

Posted 2 days 2 hours ago by Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

Permanent

Not Specified

Other

Hertfordshire, Stevenage, United Kingdom, SG1 1

Job Description

We're seeking a Business Travel Procurement professional to join our established team here at MBDA!

Salary: Circa £50,000-£60,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: Stevenage / Bolton, 2-3 days per week on-site due to workload classification (We may be able to offer a relocation package for this role)

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary
Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
Flexible working: We welcome applicants seeking flexible arrangements
Enhanced parental leave: Up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave; enhancements available for paternity, neonatal leave, and fertility treatments
Facilities: Subsidised meals, free parking, and more

The opportunity:

Join the Travel and Communications procurement team at MBDA! We lead all aspects of Travel and Communication spend across the Group, with a focus on Business Travel and communication elements. If you have experience in Business Travel or professional services procurement, we want to hear from you!

Travel: MBDA has extensive travel needs across Europe, the Americas, Middle and Far East. You will collaborate with our Travel Management Company, online booking providers, airlines, hotels, and venue agencies to meet business needs while supporting our ESG commitments.

Communications: Manage print, digital, trade shows, and corporate events, working with suppliers in photography, digital media, and event management.

What we're looking for:

Experience in Business Travel Procurement or Indirect Procurement with some Business Travel knowledge (categories include TMC & OBT, Car Rental, Airlines, Hotels)
Willingness to travel for meetings in the UK, Rome, and Paris
Ability to work internationally and build relationships
In-depth market knowledge of suppliers, services, and technologies
Analytical skills to evaluate and challenge needs and forecasts
Proven ability to prospect suppliers, evaluate solutions, and recommend improvements
Strategy development and policy implementation skills
Cost optimization experience
Supplier panel management
Working towards MCIPS qualification or willingness to pursue it (training provided)

The team:

Our Digital and Mobility Services team is international, based in Stevenage, Bolton, Paris, and Rome. You will work with internal and external partners to deliver procurement excellence within a wider team of category managers, buyers, and early careers professionals.

Our company:

MBDA is a leading defence organisation supporting armed forces worldwide. We value diversity and inclusion, with employee networks supporting gender equality, pride, neurodiversity, and more. We encourage applicants to reach out for support or adjustments during the recruitment process.