At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for indirect goods and services, driving savings and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a global leader in healthcare with a commitment to innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a diverse work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and collaboration across global teams.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on procurement strategies and drive multi-million dollar savings.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, strong relationship management, and fluency in English and German.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Procurement Category Lead is responsible for developing and implementing Strategic Sourcing Strategies for Indirect goods and/or services within a defined portfolio of CSL Enterprise‑wide spends. The role is accountable for securing maximum value from the external spend of $300M+, creating competitive advantage, delivering year‑on‑year multi‑million‑dollar savings, mitigating associated risks, implementing supplier relationship management, identifying innovation, and protecting CSL through robust contractual negotiations. The lead is a Global SME for categories such as Finance, Supply Chain, Legal, and Strategy Consultancy, and is responsible for senior‑level stakeholder engagement and alignment plans. The role also provides guidance to the Sourcing Managers within the team.
Other Responsibilities
- Risk management.
- Training and development.
- Market intelligence sharing.
- Support change initiatives.
- Stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities
- Category strategy development: Develop and implement effective category strategies aligned with organizational priorities and objectives; analyze spending, market trends, and supply risks to manage procurement activities for cost efficiency and optimal supplier performance.
- Supplier relationship management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, facilitate performance reviews, establish supplier performance KPIs, manage risks and continuity planning.
- Execute sourcing and procurement activities: Engage with internal stakeholders to align procurement initiatives and saving opportunities; ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance frameworks and ethical sourcing standards; maintain accurate documentation and reporting; lead tendering, negotiations, and contract awards for activities over $500K; drive total cost of ownership improvements, cost reduction, and value creation.
- Monitor performance: Monitor category performance using KPIs and provide insights to the Category Director and key stakeholders across Commercial and Finance.
- Cost analysis and budget management: Conduct detailed cost analysis and benchmarking to identify savings opportunities; monitor and report category performance against budget using KPIs and data‑driven insights to support cost optimization and compliance.
- Stakeholder collaboration: Partner with internal stakeholders (Enabling Functions, Finance, Legal, etc.) to translate business requirements into sourcing and contracting strategies; act as the primary procurement point of contact for assigned categories.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or a related discipline; professional certification (e.g., CIPS) preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management roles.
- Demonstrated success in developing category strategies and managing supplier relationships.
- Experience in performance monitoring, risk management, and cross‑functional collaboration.
- Experience in multi‑site organizations.
- Fluency in English and German.
Travel Requirements
- 20% travel expected.
Equal Opportunity Employer
CSL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please visit https://www.csl.com/accessibility-statement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Category Lead - Professional Services (m/w/x) in Maidenhead
✨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 CSL.
✨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 Global Category Lead - Professional Services (m/w/x) in Maidenhead
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 CSL:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to CSL. 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 CSL.
How to prepare for a job interview at CSL
✨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 CSL!
✨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 CSL. 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 CSL's culture.