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.
- 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 Lee 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 Lee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in procurement and supplier management. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the best candidate for the Global Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Let’s make sure your application stands out in the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Global Category Manager - Indirects - Kidlington, Ox5 1hx in Lee
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 successes in procurement and how they relate to what we do at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, make sure to highlight your experience in managing relationships. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills!
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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This role requires strong collaboration with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with senior leaders or cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and drive commercial outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific procurement challenges, like managing a contract renewal under tight deadlines. Think through your approach to problem-solving and be prepared to share your thought process.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves budgeting and forecasting, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform procurement decisions. Bring examples of how you've leveraged analytics to optimise spend and deliver value in previous roles.
