We are seeking a strategic and results-oriented Global Category Manager to join our growing procurement team, led by our new Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). This role will report into the Director of Sourcing & Category Management and be instrumental in driving cost reduction and value creation across the IFS Group. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in category management, particularly within a private equity environment. As a Global Category Manager, you will develop and execute category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve Procurements objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
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Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement global category strategies that align with the company’s overall procurement objectives to deliver value back to the business.
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Cost Reduction Focus: Identify and execute cost reduction initiatives across all assigned categories, leveraging spend analysis, market intelligence, and supplier negotiations.
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Contract Management: Oversee the development, negotiation, and management of contracts to ensure favourable terms and mitigate risks.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with procurement teams, portfolio company stakeholders, and other departments to ensure alignment on category strategies and cost-saving initiatives.
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Market Analysis: Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within the assigned categories.
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Performance Tracking: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for category performance, regularly reporting on progress to Procurement Leadership.
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Change Management: Support the CPO in driving procurement transformation across the portfolio, embedding best practices and building upon a culture of continuous improvement.
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Risk Management: Identify and manage risks within the supply chain, developing mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity and compliance.
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Team Leadership: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members, contributing to the development of a high-performing procurement team.
- 5-8 years of experience in category management, procurement, or strategic sourcing.
- Proven experience in a private equity or dynamic, fast-paced environment is highly desirable.
- Strong negotiation skills with a track record of delivering significant cost savings.
- Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to leverage data to inform decision-making and drive results.
- Experience managing global supplier relationships and complex procurement projects.
- Strong leadership, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach to working across functions and regions.
- Ability to travel as required to manage key projects and drive results.
We believe that coming together as a community, in person, is important for innovation, connection and fostering a sense of belonging. Our roles have the right balance of remote and in-office working to enable flexibility for managing your life along with ensuring a real connection with your colleagues and the broader IFS community.
