Category Strategy Support Manager - Payments

Entity: Technology Job Family Group: Procurement & Supply Chain Management Group Job Description: Working Hours: This role operates on a shift basis and requires flexibility. Candidates must be flexible to work either: Shift A (ASPAC/EU): 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM MYT, or Shift B (ASPAC/US): 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM MYT. About the Role The Category Strategy Support Manager – Payments plays a key role in developing and executing category strategies that drive value, manage risk, and optimise supplier performance across bp's Payments portfolio. Working closely with Category Managers, business stakeholders, and suppliers, you will provide strategic insight, market intelligence, and supplier management support while helping shape sourcing strategies across card processing, payment networks, merchant services, debit routing, and broader payments technology and operations. Key Responsibilities Support the development and execution of category strategies across the Payments portfolio, including card processing, payment services, debit routing, and payments technology solutions. Lead a category support team, ensuring work is prioritised effectively and aligned to business objectives and procurement priorities. Develop high-quality presentations, reports, and strategic communications that support stakeholder engagement and informed decision-making. Partner with internal stakeholders and suppliers to identify opportunities for cost optimisation, service improvements, risk management, and value creation. Drive supplier performance management activities, including reviews, risk assessments, improvement plans, and issue resolution. Lead continuous improvement of category processes, sourcing tools, KPIs, governance, and reporting practices. Manage procurement buying channels and commercial controls, ensuring compliance with contracts, pricing structures, and procurement policies. Essential Requirements Degree in Business, Procurement, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience. Minimum 8–10 years' experience in Indirect Procurement, Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, or Supplier Management. Proven experience managing or supporting Payments-related categories, including one or more of: Card Processing Payment Networks (e.g., Visa, Mastercard) Debit Routing Merchant Acquiring Payment Gateways Payment Technology Services Financial Services or FinTech suppliers Strong understanding of payment ecosystems, supplier landscapes, commercial models, contracts, and regulatory considerations within payments. Experience developing category strategies, conducting market analysis, and translating business requirements into sourcing and supplier management initiatives. Demonstrated ability to manage senior stakeholders and build relationships across global, cross-functional teams. Strong commercial acumen, analytical capability, negotiation skills, and experience delivering measurable value through supplier partnerships. Experience leading teams or delivering outcomes through matrix and project-based environments. Comfortable working in a complex, fast-paced, and globally distributed organisation. Desirable CIPS qualification or working towards membership. Experience with payment processing platforms, merchant services providers, banking partners, or fintech organisations. Experience with SAP Ariba, Salesforce, Compass, or similar procurement technologies. Strong digital fluency and interest in emerging payments technologies and industry trends. Experience working across international and multicultural environments with remote stakeholder groups. At bp, we provide the following environment and benefits to you: A company culture where we respect our diverse and unified teams, where we are proud of our achievements and where fun and the demeanor of giving back to our environment are highly valued Possibility to join our social communities and networks Learning opportunities and other development opportunities to craft your career path Life and health insurance, medical care package And many other benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform crucial job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment Travel Requirement No travel is expected with this role Relocation Assistance: This role is not eligible for relocation Remote Type: This position is a hybrid of office/remote working Skills: Agility core practices, Agility tools, Analytical Thinking, Business Acumen, Business Requirements Analysis, Category spend profiling, Category Strategy, Cost modelling, Digital Fluency, Negotiating, Negotiation planning and preparation, Product and market intelligenc