Global Category Manager

Global Category Manager

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage supplier relationships, develop sourcing strategies, and produce management reports.
  • Company: Join ICBC Standard Bank, a global leader in financial markets with a unique heritage.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, flexible working, and family-friendly policies.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and offers growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Experience in regulated environments, strong communication, and project management skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic, inclusive culture with global operations.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

To support the ongoing business needs in the development and continuous improvement of the sourcing strategy, managing supplier and customer relationships, producing management intelligence, and preparing management information reports including supplier and business spend reporting. To ensure, in conjunction with the Financial Crime Compliance team, that sourcing processes effectively and appropriately address financial crime risks, including money laundering, terrorist financing, bribery and corruption, fraud, and sanctions breaches. Other sourcing activities such as market analysis, benchmarking, involvement in tender and contract management, and supplier performance reporting are also required.

What you'll be doing

  • Execute Category Plans to agreed timelines with Stakeholders ensuring risks are appropriately managed and savings delivered.
  • Lead the analysis and set category spend baseline and category profile, including risk assessment and purchasing strategy liaising with other departments as required.
  • In collaboration with other teams, define the Buying Channel strategy and assess P2P/Channel effectiveness.
  • In collaboration with the business teams, measure category practices against best-in-class benchmarks to identify value delivery initiatives.
  • Build specific Category Strategy in line with the direction set out by the Head of Sourcing, considering regional requirements.
  • Support the GCS Operations Lead with P2P queries and stakeholder management, providing cover in their absence.
  • Support alignment with global business strategies and financial plans.

Client Relationship Management

  • Ensure strong relationship management of the existing client base by being proactive and understanding "what keeps clients awake at night".
  • Build and maintain relationships with clients; engage with clients.
  • Understand client's sourcing and purchasing governance and challenge clients appropriately to ensure the bank gets the best deal.
  • Provide best-in-class sourcing advice to service users.

Sourcing and Negotiation

  • Provide cover and act on behalf of Head of Sourcing in their absence.
  • Define, communicate, and align innovative sourcing strategies for categories, supporting global and regional projects.
  • Proactively set up and support supplier management to develop suppliers and establish a sustainable supply chain.
  • Plan, monitor, and report on category-specific objectives, implementing targets and measures.
  • Define and implement negotiation strategies, carry out cost and contract negotiations, and lead supplier contract management.
  • Perform market assessments and identify risks to prevent potential difficulties.
  • Participate in projects to gather information, take proactive measures, and optimize internal processes.
  • Involve early in business strategy and demand planning, deriving challenges and strategies for competitive advantage.

Team Work

  • Act as part of the team and support team members; coach junior members as required.

Experience required

  • Experience working in a regulated environment, ideally in Financial Services.
  • Extensive Category Management and Sourcing experience, ideally with IT procurement (software, infrastructure, services).
  • Strong communication skills across all organizational levels.
  • Good project management skills with a track record of meeting deadlines.
  • Attention to detail and strategic thinking ability.
  • Flexible approach to evolving situations.
  • Ability to build strong internal and external business partnerships.
  • Motivated, positive, and innovative mindset.

Why should you join us?

ICBC Standard Bank Plc (ICBCS) is a leading financial markets and commodities bank with a global presence and a unique Chinese and African heritage. Headquartered in London, with operations in Shanghai, Singapore, and New York. We value diversity and foster an inclusive culture, with active employee networks and a commitment to equal opportunities.

What's in it for you?

Competitive pay, annual bonus, pension, insurance benefits, and flexible working options. Family-friendly policies, wellbeing programs, community engagement, and development opportunities. If you're excited to join our team, get in touch. We'd love to hear from you!

Global Category Manager employer: ICBC Standard Bank

ICBC Standard Bank Plc offers an exceptional work environment for the Global Category Manager role, characterised by a commitment to diversity and inclusion, competitive compensation, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing. With a global presence and a unique heritage, employees benefit from flexible working options, family-friendly policies, and ample opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in financial services.
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Contact Detail:

ICBC Standard Bank Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Global Category Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in category management and sourcing strategies, especially within the financial services sector. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the industry, particularly those who have experience in regulated environments. Attend relevant events or join online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and executed category plans in previous roles. Highlighting your achievements will showcase your capability to deliver results.

✨Tip Number 4

Research ICBC Standard Bank Plc's values and culture to align your responses during interviews. Understanding their commitment to diversity and inclusion can help you articulate how you would contribute to their team.

We think you need these skills to ace Global Category Manager

Category Management
Sourcing Strategy Development
Supplier Relationship Management
Financial Crime Compliance Knowledge
Market Analysis
Benchmarking
Tender and Contract Management
Negotiation Skills
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Risk Assessment
Cost Management
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Strategic Thinking
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Global Category Manager position. Identify key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these aspects.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in category management and sourcing, particularly in regulated environments like financial services. Use specific examples that demonstrate your achievements in these areas.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only expresses your enthusiasm for the role but also addresses how you can contribute to the company's goals. Mention your understanding of client relationship management and innovative sourcing strategies.

Highlight Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to build relationships. These are crucial for the role and will set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at ICBC Standard Bank

✨Understand the Role Thoroughly

Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Global Category Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities such as sourcing strategy, supplier management, and financial crime compliance. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience in category management and sourcing, especially within regulated environments like financial services. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or executed category plans, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills

Since the role requires strong communication across all organisational levels, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain complex concepts in simple terms, and show that you can engage effectively with clients and stakeholders.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of situations where you've had to manage risks, negotiate contracts, or implement sourcing strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

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