Global Procurement Category Manager, Business Systems & Professional Services

Publicis Groupe is one of the largest advertising agency holding companies in the world and a global leader in the fields of marketing, communications, and digital transformation. Publicis Re:Sources is the backbone of Publicis Groupe, providing agencies with the business solutions, technology platforms and expertise they need to transform, innovate and increase productivity.

An opportunity has arisen for a Global Category Manager, Business Systems & Professional Services, to join the Publicis Groupe Procurement team. The Procurement team is a board-mandated function providing holistic procurement business solutions to the companies within Publicis Groupe. The department’s motto is to Protect, Enrich, Challenge and Reduce Publicis Groupe spend via best-in-class procurement processes and negotiations. The department manages full cycle, from sourcing to vendor and contract management. This role will be based in our London office. Please only apply if you have the right to work in the UK.

Position Summary:

Our Category Managers are responsible for the overall strategy and sourcing activities for specific categories. These categories are usually defended as high dollar or high impact/critical categories. The Procurement Category Manager for Business Systems and Professional Services will be able to have a category management approach for Enterprise Systems, Finance, Payroll, Benefits, Insurance, and support for other corporate functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and implement category approach for the next 3 years
• Be responsible for launching Request for proposal/quotation at the Group level for the related category
• Act as the Procurement lead for managing process internally and externally
• Be able to challenge specifications and provide best practices for supply chain and services related (maintenance)
• Implement and follow up enhanced Vendor Management Program for Strategic and Important vendors

This role will support the Global Products & Services Procurement Director to achieve best practices in procurement practices, change management and appropriate stakeholder management.

Qualifications Required Skills/Experience:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience leading and/or implementing complex and/or large-scale Professional Services and Business Systems or related corporate services projects
• Keen eye for detail, sound financial knowledge, data analytical skills, communication and problem solving
• Understanding of contract law, preference for experiential knowledge of various types of contracts
• Programme management including prioritisation and change management skills
• Collaborative stakeholder engagement including developed communication skills adaptable to various levels including senior management
• Developed negotiation skills
• Customer focused – responds to queries in a confident, courteous, and positive manner
• Previous experience of working in a fast-paced procurement environment on multiple projects and in a matrix environment
• Willingness to travel frequently

Qualifications and Certifications:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Experienced at Strategic Sourcing

Additional information:

We offer a hybrid working pattern of 3 days in the office and 2 days WFH. Our main office is located in the iconic Television Centre (TVC) at White City, London. We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing a fair assessment process and are happy to discuss and explore reasonable adjustments during the hiring process. Publicis Groupe UK fosters an inclusive environment through our inspirational Employee Action Groups (EAGs). We have a comprehensive benefits offering, including Annual Leave (25 days plus 8 bank holidays), increasing after 5 years, by 1 day per additional service up to 30 days, Birthday Day Off, Flexible Bank Holidays, Reflection Days, and more.