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- Tasks: Lead strategic category management and drive procurement efficiency across diverse sectors.
- Company: Join the British Council, a global leader in cultural engagement and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a supportive team culture focused on professional development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while collaborating with international teams and enhancing procurement practices.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in category management and a strong understanding of procurement processes required.
- Other info: This is a full-time, mid-senior level role with opportunities for growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
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We are seeking two category managers with experience of any combination of the following sectors: HR, Finance (banking, payment solutions), Consultancy, Marketing and Advertising. Interested candidates can apply for one or both roles. We reserve the right to assign specific sector / category responsibility based on candidates experience.
Role Purpose
Step into the role of Global Category Manager and become a vital part of our Procurement Leadership Team. Our procurement function operates through clusters, serving three core stakeholder groups: English and Exams, Cultural Engagement, and Business Operations. Together, we champion commercial best practices, delivering outstanding procurement efficiency and substantial value year on year.
As Global Category Manager, you will lead the development of multi-year category plans, spanning diverse stakeholder groups and countries within your designated category. You\’ll play a strategic role in devising, designing, and executing global and organisation-wide category strategies, unlocking value for our operations.
Role Accountabilities
Take on the exciting role of Global Category Manager and bring your expertise to our dynamic Procurement Leadership Team. As part of the management team, you will spearhead short- and long-term strategies across a designated category, ensuring alignment with procurement’s overarching objectives. Your role will involve designing and implementing innovative solutions for category needs, supporting Cluster Heads and stakeholders with both immediate remedies and future planning.
You will have the opportunity to shape and execute departmental learning and development initiatives, driving continuous improvement in procurement capabilities. With your strategic mindset, you’ll balance operational and long-term objectives, ensuring the commercial agenda remains impactful and relevant.
Drawing on your deep functional expertise, you’ll provide professional advice, guidance, and challenge to stakeholders, refining procurement governance and risk management practices. Your commitment to ongoing professional development and contribution to the training of peers will enhance procurement proficiency across the board.
As a relationship-builder, you’ll establish credible and effective partnerships within the network, fostering trust, inspiring collaboration, and championing knowledge sharing. Your role will influence strategic direction and encourage adherence to aligned practices, even across cross-functional and international teams.
In this leadership role, you’ll manage priorities, develop talent, and cultivate a team culture that thrives on enthusiasm, success, and ethical action. You’ll model change leadership, inspiring others to embrace new approaches and driving transformation in alignment with organisational values.
Your analytical and problem-solving skills will play a critical role in understanding complex procurement challenges and opportunities. You’ll create compelling business cases to influence decision-makers and introduce significant improvements to policies and practices.
You’ll contribute to service improvement and corporate projects, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and championing better ways of working. Collaborating with key suppliers, you’ll ensure category plans and procurement practices align with best practices, delivering tangible benefits to the organisation.
This is your chance to lead with impact, combining commercial judgment and expertise to elevate procurement practices and deliver meaningful change.
Qualifications & Experience :
- Extensive experience of working in a similar role at a similar level managing a category management team or procurement teams at a strategic level.
- In-depth understanding of the Category Management process
- In-depth understanding of own category and suppliers in each category; able to rank effectively suppliers according to category priorities
- Significant understanding of legal and operational risks
- Good understanding of Category Management provisions
- Good business understanding across industry
Location : UK (London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester and anyone on pre-existing homeworking contracts in the UK)
Contract type : Indefinite
Closing Date : 24 August 2025 (10:59 PM UK Time)
You must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
There is no relocation or sponsorship support.
British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
General Business
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Industries
Non-profit Organizations
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Global Category Manager employer: British Council
Contact Detail:
British Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Council's core values and mission. Understanding their focus on cultural engagement and education will help you align your experience and ideas with their objectives during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the British Council, especially those in procurement roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Global Category Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed category strategies in previous roles. Highlight your ability to drive value and efficiency, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends related to procurement and category management. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and innovations will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and strategic thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Global Category Manager position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When writing your CV and cover letter, focus on your experience in category management and procurement. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead strategies and manage teams effectively.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your analytical and problem-solving skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've tackled complex procurement challenges and contributed to service improvements in previous positions.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter for the British Council role. Mention how your values align with their organisational goals and how you can contribute to their procurement leadership team.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Council
✨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 and how they align with the British Council's objectives. This will help you articulate how your experience fits into their needs.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Be prepared to discuss your experience in developing and executing category strategies. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led initiatives that delivered value and efficiency. This will demonstrate your capability to think strategically and manage complex procurement challenges.
✨Emphasise Relationship-Building Skills
As a Global Category Manager, building effective partnerships is crucial. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and trust with stakeholders in previous roles. This will illustrate your ability to influence and inspire others within cross-functional teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and analytical skills. Prepare to discuss how you would approach specific procurement challenges or conflicts. This will showcase your critical thinking and ability to navigate complex situations effectively.
