Senior Category Lead
Senior Category Lead
Helios Towers is a leading independent telecommunications infrastructure company, having established one of the most extensive tower portfolios across Africa and the Middle East. We build, own and operate telecom passive infrastructure, providing services to mobile network operators. Helios Towers currently operates in nine markets across Africa and the Middle East.
Overview
Reporting to the Group Procurement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading strategic procurement initiatives, managing key supplier relationships, and driving supply chain transformation across the organisation.
Role Responsibilities
As a Senior Category Lead, you will be responsible for:
- Managing strategic projects related to complex outsourcing activities from end to end
- Assessing third-party supplier networks, including logistics and supply chain capabilities
- Leading supplier audits to ensure compliance with Helios Towers standards on quality and performance
- Identifying and assessing supplier risks, including financial capacity in collaboration with Finance teams
- Supporting project feasibility assessments, including cash flow considerations with Finance stakeholders
- Acting as delegated authority on behalf of the Group Procurement Manager when required
- Developing and implementing category management strategies to drive procurement transformation
- Managing supplier relationships, including segmentation, contract management, risk mitigation, and performance monitoring
- Providing market intelligence on supply dynamics, regulatory environments, and supplier innovations
- Leading procurement initiatives to resolve supply chain challenges and improve operational efficiency
Requirements for the Role
To succeed in the role, you will be/will have:
- Degree-level education, preferably in Purchasing and Procurement Management
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in complex engineering or capital-intensive industries (e.g. energy, automotive, civil engineering, or oil & gas)
- Proven experience in managing supply chain transformation programmes
- Strong experience in category management within large or listed organisations
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environments and adapt to changing priorities
Desired Skills
- Stakeholder Management
- Project Management
- Business Consulting
- Reporting and KPI Management
- Business Performance Measurement and Management
Benefits
- Office situated in the vibrant heart of London, Liverpool Street
- Competitive annual gross salary
- Discretionary yearly bonus
- Access to private medical and dental care
- 9% employer pension contribution
- Season ticket loan available
- Gym membership included
- Complimentary daily breakfast
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.