Global Procurement Category Manager, Business Systems & Professional Services | Job in Bedfordshire

In an exciting opportunity within our dynamic and forward-thinking organisation we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Global Procurement Category Manager, specialising in Business Systems & Professional Services. This role offers a unique chance to play a pivotal part in shaping the procurement strategy of our globally diverse business.

*Responsibilities: *

• Develop and implement effective strategies for procurement within the Business Systems & Professional Services category, ensuring alignment with overall organisational objectives.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements, and risk mitigation in procurement processes.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, and negotiating favourable contracts to secure competitive pricing and service levels.
• Provide expert guidance on category-specific market trends, regulations, and industry best practices to support informed decision-making.
• Develop and maintain a robust understanding of the business's technology needs and ensure that procurement strategies align with these requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, leveraging data analytics and technology where possible.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions, fostering strong relationships and trust across the organisation.
• Collaborate with the broader procurement team to develop category management best practices and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of the overall procurement strategy, helping to shape the future direction of the function within our global organisation.

*Requirements: *

• Proven experience in a Global Procurement Category Manager role with a focus on Business Systems & Professional Services.
• Demonstrable expertise in strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management.
• Strong understanding of procurement market trends, regulations, and industry best practices within the Business Systems & Professional Services category.
• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to secure favourable contracts.
• Strong analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Experience with procurement technology solutions and a willingness to leverage these tools to drive efficiency and improve processes.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build strong relationships across the organisation.
• A bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CIPS) are desirable but not essential. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of our organisation while expanding your own knowledge and skills within a dynamic and supportive environment. If you are passionate about procurement, have a strategic mindset, and possess the necessary experience we would love to hear from you!

Applicant Requirements

*Overview: *

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Global Procurement Category Manager to join our team, focusing on Business Systems & Professional Services. This role will be pivotal in driving procurement excellence, delivering cost savings, and ensuring the strategic alignment of procurement activities with the organization's overall objectives.

*Responsibilities: *

• Develop and implement category strategies for Business Systems & Professional Services to optimize spend, mitigate risks, and drive value creation.
• Lead cross-functional teams in sourcing initiatives, negotiation of contracts, and vendor relationship management.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to understand business needs and translate them into effective procurement strategies.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential suppliers, evaluate their capabilities, and negotiate favorable terms.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships to ensure continuous improvement in service quality, cost, delivery, and innovation.
• Contribute to the development of the organization's procurement policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Monitor category performance against agreed KPIs and take corrective actions where necessary.
• Provide strategic insights on industry trends and market developments to inform decision-making at senior levels.

*Qualifications: *

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement with a focus on Business Systems & Professional Services category management.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings, improving service quality, and optimizing supply chain performance.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain strategic supplier relationships.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and lead cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in relevant procurement tools and systems.
• Willingness to travel as required by business needs.

*Competencies: *

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Commercial acumen and contract negotiation skills
• Relationship management and team leadership
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability and resilience
• Business acumen and understanding of industry trends