At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global procurement for technology and indirect spend, ensuring value delivery and contract management.
- Company: Dynamic organisation seeking a strategic thinker for a maternity cover role.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a hands-on role with global impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and enhance your career in procurement.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies and drive commercial success across multiple regions.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement background and excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover, expected to start in May 2026. Reporting to the Global Head of Indirect Procurement, the Global Category Manager - Technology & Indirects is an astute commercial procurement professional with responsibility for the stewardship of global spend.
This is a hands-on role with a real opportunity to further develop how Technology and wider Indirect spend is managed across the organisation. Operating as a key commercial interface between Procurement and the business, the role delivers Procurement business partnering and commercial leadership across the Technology function and broader indirect categories, ensuring continuity of sourcing activity, contract renewals, supplier governance and value delivery during the maternity cover period.
The position leads end-to-end procurement activity, supports the annual budgeting and planning cycle, and maintains strong stakeholder engagement across multiple functions. Working in close partnership with the CDIO, Technology Leadership Team and other senior stakeholders, the role ensures third-party spend is proactively planned, commercially optimised and aligned to business objectives.
A key focus of the role is the forward planning and execution of a number of contract renewals, particularly across Q3 and Q4, ensuring early engagement, cost control and continuity of service. With global scope across multiple regions and business units, the role drives a consistent and standardised approach to Technology procurement, maximising leverage and delivering value through fact-based decision making, robust negotiation and effective supplier relationship management.
In addition to Technology, the role provides procurement business partnering and sourcing support across a wider indirect spend portfolio, such as Finance, Marketing and Professional Services. The role also plays a key part in embedding Procurement policy and governance, managing supplier due diligence and onboarding, maintaining contract compliance, delivering accurate savings and performance reporting in line with Finance requirements, and providing day-to-day leadership and direction to the Indirect Category Buyer.
- Partnering with Technology functions to shape and deliver procurement activity in line with project demand, renewals and investment plans, providing a consistent commercial approach across a complex global spend landscape.
- Acting as the Procurement Business Partner to the Technology function, working closely with the CDIO, Technology Leadership Team and, where required, other senior and Board-level stakeholders.
- Leading the forward planning and execution of contract renewals, particularly across Q3 and Q4, ensuring early engagement, continuity of service and optimal commercial outcomes.
- Supporting the annual budgeting and forecasting cycle by providing commercial insight and cost modelling for Technology spend.
- Leading end-to-end sourcing activity, including RFx development, supplier evaluation, commercial negotiation and contract award.
- Establishing and managing strategic supplier relationships, driving performance, value delivery and effective contract management.
- Executing value-for-money decision making through spend leverage, benchmarking and the negotiation of favourable commercial and contractual terms.
Global Category Manager - Indirects - Kidlington, Ox5 1hx in Ascot employer: Essentra
As a Global Category Manager at our Kidlington location, you will join a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. We offer a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and you will have the opportunity to lead impactful procurement initiatives across global operations. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, we ensure our employees thrive while delivering meaningful results in a role that directly influences our business objectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Category Manager - Indirects - Kidlington, Ox5 1hx in Ascot
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in procurement and technology.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are speaking about your skills, the better you'll perform.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new roles that fit your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Category Manager - Indirects - Kidlington, Ox5 1hx in Ascot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Global Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in technology and indirect categories. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in procurement that demonstrate your commercial acumen and stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since this role involves a lot of negotiation, make sure to highlight any relevant experiences. We love seeing how you've successfully navigated complex negotiations and delivered value in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essentra
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around indirect spend and technology categories. Be ready to discuss your experience with contract renewals and supplier management, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to partner with various functions. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with senior stakeholders in the past.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be prepared to talk about your negotiation strategies and successes. Think of specific instances where you’ve achieved cost savings or improved terms through effective negotiation, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Plan for the Future
Given the focus on forward planning and execution of contract renewals, come equipped with ideas on how you would approach this in the first few months. Discussing your proactive strategies will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
