Strategic Category Lead

Experienced Procurement Professional required for Global Manufacturer at their Plymouth based site. The successful candidate will be required to lead and deliver the strategic procurement of Direct and Indirect goods & services at the optimal cost given the quality and service required.

You will lead category management activities across a portfolio of projects to deliver cost and quality improvements and contribute to the development of Direct and Indirect Category Strategies, from market analysis to tender processes, policy framework to people management, this is pivotal in supporting the transformation of the client’s end to end Supply Chain.  Working in a very collaborative environment, applying procurement knowledge and stakeholder-management skills to an equally varied remit. This is an excellent opportunity to join a well renowned manufacturer that puts quality and innovation at the core of their ethos.

Key Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Drive material cost reduction improvements in line with company objectives, including the effective and proactive management of associated projects. 
• Develop and implement clear category management strategies where appropriate, ensuring sourcing strategy identifies and considers the risks relevant to the category and reduce business exposure for Indirect and Direct spend with a view to achieving savings targets, improving quality and service levels and achieving all other business objectives.
• Define measurement KPIs and issue updates to demonstrate progress, capturing and reporting on all activity across the business, delivering maximum value from all third party spend within a range of portfolios
• Lead and execute tendering activities, negotiating terms of trade that are structured, mutually beneficial and sustainable with suppliers, contracting and contract management activities and the management of ongoing supplier relationships at a Company level. to support commercial and business objectives.
• Drive supplier engagement and capability, to drive improvement plans, innovation and cost efficiency
• Project managing the delivery of plans and initiatives including performing cost/benefit analysis for changes and ensure plans are in line with business objectives.
• Be the category expert and first point of contact for responsible spend areas, working closely with senior business stakeholders, to fully understand the business needs and ensure adherence to procedures that guide and direct contract compliance and performance as well as mitigating legal and business risks.

Essential Experience and Candidate attributes required:

• Demonstrated Procurement experience in category management, contract management, development of sourcing strategies across a range of category types, in both direct and indirect goods and services.
• Excellent ability to engage with all stakeholders, influencing others to complete tasks aligned to a common goal.
• Concise and influential communicator: able to discuss complex issues with clarity and credibility to a cross functional audience of varied experience enabling effective decision making.
• Makes balanced recommendations for delivering successful strategic projects and implementing complex change.
• A natural problem solver with a strong understanding of leveraging operating efficiencies and opportunities to gain added value from suppliers.
• Resilient with a proactive focus on reducing business costs and always has a plan to meet or exceed targets without being asked.
• Develop skills to analyse, decide, prioritise and plan.  Ability to balance short term requirements with long term objectives to achieve commercial goals.

Desirable Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications (non essential):

• CIPS, MCIPS or Part Qualified.
• Degree educated in a relevant discipline (i.e. Business Studies, Business Administration, Economics etc).
• Knowledge / experience of Manufacturing or Engineering processes.
• Knowledge / experience of SAP or an alternative MRP or ERP based system.  

The successful candidate will be required to work a 37.5 hour week based on site 5 days per week. There is a degree of flexibility on start and finish times providing the core working week of 37.5 hours is achieved. There is the opportunity to work 1 day per week from home post 6 month probation.  

If you are an experienced Procurement Professional, currently looking for a new challenge, please submit an up to date CV by using the ‘apply’ button below.

For an informal chat with regards to this role please call (phone number removed) and ask for Samantha Luxton.