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- Tasks: Lead global procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive efficiency.
- Company: Global University Systems empowers students through education, fostering a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and international collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while making a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a degree in a relevant field.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and strategic thinking.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Ā£ per year.
Salary: Competitive
Global University Systems (GUS) is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter and more sustainable future for all. Our institutions offer the broadest range of industryārelevant skills through inclusive, accessible and digitalāfirst learning, equipping our thriving multiānational community of students for lifelong success. Our worldāleading network and stateāofātheāart institutions power the upskilling of our students worldwide.
LocationLondon
Summary Of RoleGroup Procurement is a new function on an exciting journey to establish a central procurement team. As a Senior Category Manager, you will help shape procurement\ās future, embedding category management methodologies to drive a step change in benefit delivery across the organisation. You will work closely with international procurement teams (Canada, Germany, India) and the Centre of Excellence to leverage global opportunities and deliver efficiency and value.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives, cost savings and a step change in speed to value for the business.
Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to identify trends, opportunities and risks.
Adapt to nuances at both global and local levels to ensure successful delivery.
Identify, evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, cost and delivery performance.
Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable supply chains.
Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and audits.
Lead contract negotiations with suppliers to achieve best terms and conditions.
Ensure contracts comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.
Monitor and manage contract renewals and amendments.
Implement costāsaving initiatives without compromising quality or service levels.
Anticipate price changes and adjust procurement strategies accordingly.
Develop and manage the category project cost savings pipeline.
Support and advise the Centre of Excellence to ensure effective use of category activity for tactical purchases.
Identify potential supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Ensure compliance with ethical sourcing and sustainability standards.
Work closely with internal stakeholders (IT, HR, Sales and Marketing) to align procurement strategies with business needs.
Collaborate with inācountry procurement teams to ensure consistency of group procurement strategies.
Provide guidance and support to localised procurement teams as needed.
Prepare and present regular reports on category performance, including savings, supplier performance and risk management to the Head of Global Procurement.
Continuously improve procurement processes and practices.
Experience & Requirements for the Role
Essential : 5+ years of relevant procurement experience.
Desirable : Experience working in a large international group; Global category experience.
Qualifications / Education
Essential : A degree or similarālevel qualification in a relevant subject area.
Desirable : Working towards/obtained Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply MCIPS qualification; Experience using eāProcurement platforms and procurement software.
Key Skills
Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
Track record of effective stakeholder management.
Strong entrepreneurial mindset and resilient, canādo attitude.
Strategic thinker with proactive problemāsolving approach.
Outstanding analytical and problemāsolving skills with attention to detail.
Ability to work in fastāpaced environment, managing multiple scenarios.
Commercial and financial acumen.
Supplier relationship management skills.
Highly organised with proficient project management skills.
Initiative, prioritisation and multitasking ability.
Integrity and professional ethics.
Experience applying category management principles.
Equal OpportunityGUS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.
Benefits
Plus 1 day per year (capped at 25 days) for workālife balance.
5% personal contribution & 3% company contribution for longāterm financial security.
Interestāfree travel loan for commuting.
Support for regular eye tests and essential eyewear.
Access to short courses through FutureLearn and groupāwide professional development programmes.
Rewards Hub: discounts at various retailers across categories.
Conf wellbeing support.
Rewards for referring talent.
Discounts and sponsorship opportunities at select GUS institutions, including The University of Law.
Application ProcessWe will screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications meet our requirements. Qualified candidates will be contacted to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process. We wish you every success.
We retain your data for 6 months. You may request to anonymise or delete your candidate profile at any time using the personal settings in the portal. Deleted candidates may reapply at any time by logging back into your account.
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Senior Category Manager employer: Global University Systems
Contact Detail:
Global University Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager
āØTip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with category management methodologies. Understanding these principles will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
āØTip Number 2
Network with professionals in procurement, especially those who have experience in international settings. This can provide you with insights and potentially valuable connections that could aid your application.
āØTip Number 3
Research Global University Systems and their procurement strategies. Tailoring your discussions around their specific needs and challenges during interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
āØTip Number 4
Prepare examples of your past experiences in supplier relationship management and negotiation. Being able to articulate your successes in these areas will showcase your suitability for the Senior Category Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager
Some tips for your application š«”
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, particularly any roles where you've developed and executed strategies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your negotiation skills and stakeholder management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Global University Systems. Discuss how your entrepreneurial mindset and strategic thinking align with their goals, and mention any experience you have with category management principles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree and any relevant qualifications, such as MCIPS. If you have experience with e-Procurement platforms or procurement software, make sure to include this information as it is highly relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application that illustrate your analytical and problem-solving abilities. Mention specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you successfully navigated them, especially in fast-paced environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Global University Systems
āØShowcase Your Procurement Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in procurement during the interview. Discuss specific strategies you've developed and executed, as well as any successful negotiations you've led. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Senior Category Manager role.
āØEmphasise Stakeholder Management Skills
Given the importance of stakeholder management in this role, prepare examples that showcase your ability to build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders. Talk about how you've navigated complex situations and ensured alignment across different teams.
āØDemonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving and analysis. Provide examples of how your analytical skills have led to improved procurement processes or cost savings. This will show your strategic thinking and attention to detail, which are crucial for this position.
āØFamiliarise Yourself with Category Management Principles
Since the role involves applying category management methodologies, brush up on these principles before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles and how you plan to implement them at Global University Systems.
