At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global procurement for technology and indirect spend, ensuring value delivery and contract management.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading organisation focused on innovative procurement solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: 12-month fixed-term contract with potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising procurement strategies and driving commercial success.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
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.
Responsibilities:- 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 Harlow employer: Essentra
As a Global Category Manager in Kidlington, you will join a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, offering opportunities to engage with senior stakeholders and lead impactful procurement initiatives across global operations. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to excellence, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful contribution while enjoying the benefits of a flexible working arrangement and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Category Manager - Indirects - Kidlington, Ox5 1hx in Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Global Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing indirect spend and supplier relationships. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Global Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to drive value through effective negotiations. Role-play with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team. Let's get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Global Category Manager - Indirects - Kidlington, Ox5 1hx in Harlow
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 should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your past achievements in procurement and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, make sure to highlight your experience in managing relationships and driving collaboration. We love seeing candidates who can effectively communicate and partner across functions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 us you’re keen on joining our team!
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. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and best practices in procurement to show that you're not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable partner ready to engage with stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with various functions in previous roles. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and how you've driven value through collaboration. This will demonstrate that you can be the commercial interface they need.
✨Be Ready for Contract Renewal Scenarios
Since this role involves leading contract renewals, think about past experiences where you've managed similar processes. Be prepared to discuss your approach to ensuring continuity of service and optimising commercial outcomes during renewals, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in procurement, so come armed with specific examples of successful negotiations you've led. Discuss your strategies for achieving favourable terms and how you've leveraged data to support your decisions. This will show that you can deliver value and drive performance.
