Job Overview

Apply now Our client is a department of one of the most educational establishments in the world, which furthers the objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. They have a well -established Procurement function and are now looking to recruit an experienced Category Lead - Indirect's. In this dynamic, diverse and challenging role you'll play a vital role in developing, managing and executing category strategies that will deliver commercial benefits to our client as well as undertaking strategic supplier relationship management across the Indirect categories. You will be required to work across all of our clients global divisions and in various indirect spend categories with a primary focus on Facilities, HR, Professional Services and Travel. You must be willing to work across other Indirect categories where requested. Whilst delivering and driving strategic value to our client you will be expected to apply procurement best practice to identify and deliver cost savings opportunities. Your key responsibilities will include: Ensuring the timely delivery of specific procurement projects which achieve targeted savings and minimise supply riskStrategic supplier relationship management of key Indirect suppliers with an annual spend c£130mAbility to lead negotiations with sophisticated suppliers or service providersIdentifying and involves key stakeholders early and translates their business needs to deliver commercial solutionsLeading the identification, development and performance management of suppliers to deliver the business needIdentifying efficiency opportunities and implements associated improvements using value engineering approachesApplying new policy and process changes within the procurement operating environmentDeveloping project plans and prioritises delivery of a number of simultaneous strategic sourcing requirementsProducing and maintaining central procurement documentation on behalf of the internal stakeholders (e.g. sourcing cycle process, supplier and benefits management validation)Building and maintaining strong internal and external relationships at senior and executive management levels. Significant procurement management experience of strategic sourcing in a large company environment, preferably with European or Global experienceTo be successful in this role you will have: Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the Indirect Category market, with experience working in FM, Professional Services and Travel Category ManagementMinimum CIPS Advanced Diploma (Level 4 or 5) required, MCIPS Professional Diploma Level (Level 6) preferredHigh level of project management skills and working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholdersExperience of leading cross functional teams to identify solutions to business problemsProven track record of delivering cost savings across multiple business units and spend categoriesHigh standard of Microsoft skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and experience using Sharepoint Comprehensive analytical skillsConversant and experienced in the application of modern category management tools and techniques, with an ability to develop category strategies to meet stakeholder needsHas excellent technical knowledge and experience in category management applicationCommercial acumen with proficient negotiation skills, with confidence and ability to lead complex commercial negotiations and achieve resultsDemonstrates integrity and professionalism and is viewed by internal and external stakeholders as credible and trustworthy.

Key Requirements

Category Management - Indirects