Category Manager

Looking for a Category Manager for our retail luxury client and this would be a Contract Inside IR35 role (via umbrella)
Duration - 4 months
Location - West Yorkshire (onsite)

This position is responsible for providing the strategic category management direction and leadership for all services within the Travel and Expense Category. The individual will directly contribute to improvement in operations by developing and implementing procurement strategies that improve process efficiencies and support cost, quality and risk reduction initiatives. The role acts as a key partner contributing to the Travel and Expense teams objectives in delivering at a commercially viable cost. The purpose of the role is to oversee the procurement of products and services for the business area by working closely with the Business Stakeholders and Commercial Finance to identify opportunities to deliver the products and services at the best commercial value, this includes improvements in process and specification and commercial relationships.

RESPONSIBILITES
The successful candidate will have the Responsibility for creating sustainable value in upstream and downstream activities across all spend categories, through category strategies and plans, sourcing and the creation of excellent contracts, some global, regional and some single-market. Ongoing Category Management. Ensure that Supplier contracts are being delivered in line with the agreed contract, to the level of performance and quality, or that non-compliance or risk of non-compliance is escalated at the earliest moment to key teams. Research new suppliers, challenge the incumbent suppliers for innovation and monitor existing relationships. Develop category strategies and plans and effective communication across the business. Follow market trends to enable insight through market research, benchmarking, supplier knowledge and networking. Liaise closely with Business Partners and Finance to deliver the services at the best commercial value and improve processes, specifications and commercial relationships. Work with the wider Business Services Procurement function to ensure that value is driven from all commercial contracts setting targets for improvements. Understand overall acquisition costs and develop appropriate cost models for decision making and performance reporting. Ensure CSR compliance through the supply chain. Drive supplier competition, development and rationalisation as appropriate. Develop supplier and supply market expertise to inform category strategies. Work with internal customers to ensure category projects are delivered on time and within budget. Provide support to Finance teams with managing their Opex budgets. Ensure the management of this category fits within the wider procurement agenda and ensure this aligns with internal stakeholder requirements & goals Project delivery. Drive the sourcing and the creation of excellent contracts (global, regional and single market)Negotiate with suppliers to deliver significant measurable and sustainable annual savings in both budgets and cost avoidance. Be responsible for the creation of RFI/RFPs through to conclusion in line with the relevant Policies Lead and develop breakthrough business projects in category using advanced category management/strategic sourcing tools. Ensure that the supply and suppliers are suitable for commercial use through a validation process. Ensure that new vendors are reviewed from a financial stability and approved for SAP on a timely basis. Deliver specific projects as required Improvement delivery Drive the identification of supplier performance improvements and close liaison with stakeholder groups to implement Own the responsibility for identification of operational supply management efficiencies Identify areas that could improve the service provided and present recommendations to Exec for implementation. Continually review savings opportunities and areas for efficiencies Build strong relationships - internal and external

PERSONAL PROFILE
Degree qualified (or equivalent)
Experience in relevant Category Relevant industry experience within Luxury Retail is desirable although not essential
Ability to demonstrate category knowledge and speak with subject matter experts internally and externally
Versatility, resilience and ability to perform strongly in a changing environment
Strong negotiation skills gained with the ability to develop and articulate cross functional procurement strategies and processes
Good knowledge of procurement concepts, processes and techniques including commercial contracts negotiation skills and relationship management
Experience implementing sourcing methodologies for category management
Strong negotiation skills to achieve best TCO
Strong Travel Procurement experience including contract negotiations
Demonstrated leadership talent with ability to motivate all levels of stakeholders by virtue of keen business acumen, excellent judgment, professional competence, credibility, flexibility, and personal integrity
Proven success in managing, organizing, and/or completing multiple tasks and priorities
History of managing and being managed to targeted results
Proficiency with Word, Excel, Powerpoint requiredreliability.
Ability to build and foster productive working relationships
Well-developed stakeholder management skills
Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to inspire trust and confidence.
Superior ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
Ability to make decisions and solve problems while working under pressure.
Ability to develop strategic project and category plans

Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group STEM Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.