Category Lead

Category Lead – Procurement

Location: London

About Helios Towers

We are a leading independent telecoms infrastructure company, with one of the most extensive tower portfolios across Africa and the Middle East. Our business model promotes tower infrastructure sharing and enables mobile network operators (MNOs) to deliver mobile connectivity more quickly, reliably, cost-effectively, and with a lower carbon footprint. In turn, this supports the expansion and quality of mobile connectivity, driving sustainable development in our markets.

We build, acquire, lease-up, and operate telecommunications towers that can accommodate and power the needs of multiple tenants. Our tenants are the major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and we serve them across nine high-growth markets (8 in Africa + Oman in the Middle East). Our purpose, mission, and sustainable business strategy are underpinned by our values of integrity, partnership, and excellence.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Procurement Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading the strategic sourcing and supplier management efforts for your assigned category. This role is a critical part of the Procurement team and directly supports Helios Towers’ 2030 strategy KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

As a Category Lead, you will be responsible for:

• Authorising and being the single point of accountability for the relevant sector on demand and market characteristics, and driving the creation of Category Management plans.
• Leading the strategic sourcing process including bidder identification, market engagement strategy, and supplier selection.
• Leading commercial and contractual negotiations with suppliers.
• Driving the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) process and leading performance improvement meetings in collaboration with the Technical functions.
• Developing and overseeing Supplier Performance Improvement Plans and recommending interventions where necessary.

Requirements for the Role

To succeed in the role, you will have:

• A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience across all elements of procurement, with strong exposure to category management.
• MCIPS or an equivalent procurement qualification.
• A university degree.
• Proven experience in contract development and management.
• Demonstrated success in supplier relationship management.
• Operational experience in developing markets.
• Telecommunications industry experience is a plus.

Desired Skills

• Strong stakeholder management
• Financial and performance reporting
• Business performance measurement
• Project management
• Experience in emerging markets
• Knowledge of French (desirable)

Benefits

• Competitive basic salary
• Discretionary bonus
• Health insurance
• Life insurance

Helios Towers is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. You and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. If you are applying for a position in South Africa, Employment Equity targets may apply when we consider your application.