At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR & Professional Services category strategy and collaborate with global teams.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on innovation and strategic procurement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities to work across Europe.
- Other info: Join a multicultural team and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving procurement value and innovation in a global setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
This role is responsible for providing regional category management leadership for the category of HR and Professional Services (Finance, Legal and Marketing).
This person collaborates closely with Global, Regional and Market Unit (MU) colleagues to meet the objectives of Procurement and its stakeholders.
Some expectations of the role include supporting the creation of category strategy and plans that align with internal stakeholder goals, reflect current marketplace conditions, and support Procurement initiatives.
This role will also support the negotiations of agreements with key strategic suppliers while driving innovation with these partners.
Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization
- Lead the EMEA HR & Professional Services category strategy in alignment with Global Category Leads.
- Identify opportunities through market analysis, spend insights, and contract reviews.
- Drive Procurement value, innovation, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support regional target setting, planning, and execution of category programs.
- Engage key stakeholders and ensure alignment between business objectives and category strategies.
- Strategy & Sourcing Execution
- Lead regional sourcing initiatives and support global category activities.
- Ensure negotiations and supplier engagements align with global strategies.
- Promote adoption of preferred contracts and buying channels.
- Coordinate resources and oversee implementation of category initiatives across the region.
- Stakeholder & Supplier Management
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers.
- Act as a trusted business partner across functions and subcategories.
- Manage supplier performance, stakeholder feedback, and category-related escalations.
- Maintain a robust pipeline of sourcing opportunities and value creation initiatives.
- Category Delivery
- Drive supplier optimization, performance management, and fact-based negotiations.
- Support sourcing projects and ensure delivery of business outcomes.
- Leverage market intelligence to strengthen Procurement’s value proposition.
- Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Strong expertise in category management, sourcing, procurement, and project management.
- Proven experience developing and executing category strategies.
- Deep understanding of HR and Professional Services categories and commercial models.
- Demonstrable working experience in similar or adequate roles in a Procurement environment, with international project and people management elements
- Demonstrable experience working with senior executives to implement and manage initiatives in a highly complex matrix organization
- Fluent in written and spoken English.
- Strong negotiation, analytics, stakeholder management, and supplier management skills.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and work across a complex global organization.
- Innovative, action-oriented, and results-driven mindset.
- Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a multicultural environment.
Education
- A bachelor’s degree with emphasis on the areas of business, economics, Procurement, or comparable professional experience
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Market Category Lead HR & Professional Services in London employer: Accenture UK & Ireland
As an AI Transformation & Process Excellence Senior Manager, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored coaching and development opportunities, ensuring you can lead your team effectively while embedding cutting-edge AI methodologies into client solutions. Located in a vibrant area, we offer unique advantages such as access to industry-leading technology partners and a supportive environment that fosters meaningful contributions to transformative projects.
Contact Details:
Accenture UK & Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Market Category Lead HR & Professional Services in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Accenture UK & Ireland.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Market Category Lead HR & Professional Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Accenture UK & Ireland:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Accenture UK & Ireland. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Accenture UK & Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Accenture UK & Ireland
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Accenture UK & Ireland!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Accenture UK & Ireland. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Accenture UK & Ireland's culture.
