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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global strategic projects and develop innovative category strategies.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at BAT UK, a leader in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, market-leading bonus, and flexible work options.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving procurement strategies and collaborating with global teams.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a transformative environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
The Global Category Lead is responsible for deploying the global category strategy in line with the category/categories in scope of the role, including:
- Category strategy development, refinement and refresh
- Buying channel spend and compliance reporting (incl. commercial risk management and contract pipeline)
- Strong collaboration with wider BAT Procurement (incl. GBS) to deliver buying channel/sourcing objectives
- Key partner supplier relationship management
- Peer group and external market network build
Responsibilities:
- Delivering the buying channels as part of the overall category strategy, while ensuring delivery of defined key business targets and supporting key partners of the business through a defined supplier management programme.
Accountabilities:
- Define Global Strategies for the category to achieve the business objectives for the next 1–3 years
- Implement Buying channel plans in line with global definition and policies
- Lead global and geographic contract discussions, delivering robust terms and conditions that manage commercial risk and represent value for money
- Build strong supplier base relationships and manage agreements within the framework of the category strategies and sourcing strategies
- Lead global and geographic supplier management and drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers
- Collaborate with local Direct Procurement teams to adapt global initiatives to local needs
- Maintain awareness of local procurement activities to build opportunities for the Global Procurement Strategy
- Provide support to local procurement teams by aligning global priorities with local execution
- Build strategic relationships with R&D development teams to support future innovation pipelines
- Act as a connector between global strategy, local execution, and innovation teams to drive cohesive initiatives
- Communicate individual category strategy to internal partners
- Execute Business Continuity plan and proactive risk management
Essential Experience, Skills, Knowledge:
- Procurement professional with proven experience delivering HQ strategic projects across indirect categories (e.g., Corporate Services, Facilities, Logistics, IDT, SR&D, Marketing), orchestrating multi‑country sourcing programmes and engaging senior Group partners.
- Demonstrated ability to lead end‑to‑end sourcing for HQ initiatives: opportunity discovery, baseline & spend analysis, strategy development, market engagement, agreements and contracting, implementation and benefits realisation.
- Consistent track record running multi‑market RFPs and renewals, rate‑card benchmarking, crafting performance‑based commercials, and structuring global frameworks with local call‑offs.
- Strong command of MSA/SOW discussions for services & technology scope & results, service levels, credits, IP/work‑product, confidentiality & data‑protection schedules, audit rights, liability caps, non‑solicit, change‑control and subcontractor flow‑down.
- Hands‑on experience operating under Procurement governance (Approach/Decision Gates, ESG) with Coupa traceability and detailed approvals.
- Supplier‑management experience running HQ‑led QBRs and executive governance (quality, delivery, cost, ESG, innovation).
- Demonstrated delivery of sophisticated HQ programmes (panel consolidations, platform/partner migrations, catalogue standardisation, integration factory patterns) while maintaining business continuity.
- Experience partnering with the Group Head of Indirect Procurement, Finance, Legal/Data Privacy, Procurement Excellence/GBS and business leaders to align briefs, budgets, compliance and benefits tracking.
Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required:
- Knowledge of the Category, including marketplace, key drivers, supply base and trends.
- Strong partner management, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and digital analytical abilities.
- Ability to maintain partnerships across geography and functions.
- Focus on service delivery and savings.
- High capability engaging senior leadership, crafting concise, insight‑led narratives.
- Capability to present complex sourcing topics with clear options, recommendations and risks.
- Advanced analytical capability: structured problem‑solving, hypothesis‑driven analysis, scenario modelling and benefits tracking.
- Critical thinking and planning: translate enterprise priorities into sourcing roadmaps, balancing short‑term and long‑term value.
- Programme leadership: orchestrate global initiatives with structured PMO cadence, issue/risk management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication – executive‑ready papers, gate decks, briefings.
Education / Qualifications / Certifications:
- Degree level or equivalent in a relevant area.
- CIPS Corporate Diploma in Purchasing and/or membership of The Chartered Institute for Purchasing and Supply or equivalent.
Benefits:
- Market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
- Benefits vary by country: diverse health plans, work‑life balance initiatives, transportation support and flexible holiday plan.
- Access to online learning platforms and personalised growth programmes.
- Career progression opportunities within a dynamic, transformative environment.
Equal Opportunity & Accessibility Statement:
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Category Lead Global Strategic Projects employer: BAT
Contact Detail:
BAT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Lead Global Strategic Projects
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to BAT or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their global category strategies and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who gets it!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in procurement and supplier management can drive value for BAT. Keep it concise and impactful – you want to leave them wanting more!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Lead Global Strategic Projects
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement and strategic projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Category Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your strong partner management and negotiation skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can engage senior leadership and present complex sourcing topics clearly, so make sure to include examples that demonstrate these abilities.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that are easy to read and understand!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAT
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the category you'll be leading. Understand the marketplace, key drivers, and trends. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their global category strategy.
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Be ready to discuss your past experiences with HQ strategic projects and multi-country sourcing programmes. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives and manage supplier relationships effectively. Use metrics to demonstrate your success!
✨Master the Art of Communication
Strong communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice presenting complex sourcing topics clearly and concisely. Think about how you can craft insight-led narratives that engage senior leadership and showcase your analytical capabilities.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that require critical thinking and problem-solving. Prepare scenarios where you had to balance short-term and long-term value in procurement decisions. This will show your ability to translate enterprise priorities into actionable sourcing roadmaps.