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Reporting to the Head of Procurement the Category Manager is a highly visible role which will develop and drive the Procurement strategy for key product and services categories of spend. You will also play an active role in reshaping our Procurement department from the ground up.
Coverage will include development of the Procurement and category strategy for areas of spend, such as Indirect, Connectivity, Civils and Network hardware, software and services and other new services or product spend areas where the business may require support.
This Category Manager role will join a developing function and as an experienced member of the Procurement team, this individual will be expected to support Procurement strategic decision making.
Responsibilities/Accountabilities of the Category Manager
The role entails working as part of the Procurement Team to support the evolution of the procurement strategy.
Acting as a business partner to various departments depending on specific categories in scope and providing creative challenge which influences and supports business decision making.
Support the business to deliver the best possible commercial outcomes, ensuring clarity around areas such as risks, routes to market, resource commitments, supply market dynamics, competitive strategies and delivery plans.
Developing and maintaining clear and current category plans for all spend areas under their influence, aligned to the business objectives, which identify a pipeline of procurement opportunities.
Using internal and external technology category data, relationships and insight to formulate a clear point of view on business investment decisions (e.g. supply market reviews, business case assessments etc.), stimulate creative conversations and encourage innovative thinking within the business.
Leading the delivery of a breadth of procurement initiatives using best in class sourcing solutions such as e-Procurement, e-auctioning, strategic sourcing etc.
Leading on complex commercial and contractual negotiations, working with stakeholders, Finance and Legal to close negotiations with contracts which fully protect commercial and operational risks and interests.
Supporting Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activity to ensure strategic supplier management is considered in all purchase decisions.
Required Experience of the Category Manager
Previous Telecoms experience essential and experience in Procurement in a range of categories
Understanding of Procurement basics - contract law, category management, negotiation, market dynamics, commercial strategy, strategic sourcing.
The ability to translate business needs into legal and commercial requirements based on customer centric business partnering.
Experience producing of high-quality work products including Contracts, Financial Analysis, RFP's etc. that are fit for purpose in the category being supported and that ensure on time delivery.
Ability to liaise with senior stakeholders
Experience of running substantive end to end Procurement projects.
Strategically minded and creative, able to translate a vision into clear methodical plans.
This Category Manager position will suit someone with experience of Purchasing, Procurement or Category Management within the Telecoms sector.
