At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement initiatives to optimise talent services and enhance workforce engagement.
- Company: Join bp, a global leader in energy with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous parental leave, and excellent retirement benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with exciting relocation plans to Timber Square, London.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on bp's mission to deliver energy sustainably for the future.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong partner management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Our purpose is to deliver energy to the world, today and tomorrow. For over 100 years, bp has focused on discovering, developing, and producing oil and gas in the nations where we operate. We are one of the few companies globally that can provide governments and customers with an integrated energy offering. Delivering our strategy sustainably is fundamental to achieving our ambition to be a net zero company by 2050 or sooner.
This role sits within the Digital and Talent Procurement organization. Our purpose is to connect Digital and Talent partners and suppliers in service of bp’s purpose & aims, redefining supply to deliver triple bottom line value. The role is accountable for services optimization within the Talent space globally and for ensuring that this supply chain accelerates our safety, productivity and engagement of a changing workforce in support of the business strategy.
The successful candidate will work alongside the business facing leads to deliver incremental value across third party labour based agreements, create dynamic buying channel to enhance current data insights and take accountability for D&T services categories. The Procurement Senior Category Advisor provides strategic leadership for key categories at bp, managing global categories end-to-end. They ensure operational excellence by managing supply chain risk and maximizing value, including sustainability, through extensive collaboration across procurement and other resources.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and complete transformational procurement strategies aligned with business needs. Provide strategic guidance and challenge the team to formulate innovative, value-driven strategies.
- Operational Excellence: Demonstrate data-led ownership of category performance. Collaborate with delivery and FB&T teams to develop efficient category management plans.
- Change Management: Drive major change initiatives to deliver value through supplier performance. Use digital tools to drive innovation and value creation.
- Partner Management: Communicate effectively with participants and external partners. Build deep relationships and become a trusted advisor.
Requirements
- Functional Knowledge: In-depth understanding of category management principles and experience in developing and deploying strategies.
- Business Expertise: Strong partner management and influencing skills. Experience in navigating complex multi-national businesses.
- Leadership: Shape work delivery and decision-making. Advocate for safety and collaboration.
- Problem Solving: Conceptual thinking to match market capability with business requirements. Evaluate innovative solutions and manage risk.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong skills for engaging with diverse senior partners. Effective change management and storytelling abilities.
Skills
- Agility core practices
- Agility tools
- Analytical Thinking
- Business Acumen
- Business Requirements Analysis
- Category spend profiling
- Category Strategy
- Cost modelling
- Digital Fluency
- Negotiating
- Negotiation planning and preparation
- Product and market intelligence
- Supplier Performance Management
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Value creation and management
Travel Requirement: Up to 10% travel should be expected with this role.
Relocation Assistance: This role is not eligible for relocation.
Remote Type: This position is a hybrid of office/remote working.
Future Location Notice: This role will start in Sunbury, London. bp has announced a planned office move to Timber Square, London, with all positions currently advertised in Sunbury, including this one, expected to relocate around Q4 2027-Q1 2028.
At bp, we support our people to grow in a diverse and exciting environment. We believe that our team is strengthened by diversity. There are many aspects of our employees’ lives that are meaningful, so we offer benefits to enable your work to fit with your life, including flexible working options, a generous paid parental leave policy, and excellent retirement benefits.
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.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics like race, religion, colour, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability status.
Senior Category Advisor - Talent employer: BP PLC
At Castrol, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Digital Portfolio Lead, you'll have the opportunity to drive impactful digital transformation initiatives while enjoying a flexible hybrid working model in vibrant locations like London or Pune. We are committed to your professional growth, providing competitive rewards and a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Advisor - Talent
✨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 BP PLC.
✨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 Senior Category Advisor - Talent
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 BP PLC:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to BP PLC. 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 BP PLC.
How to prepare for a job interview at BP PLC
✨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 BP PLC!
✨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 BP PLC. 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 BP PLC's culture.
