Global Category Manager

Global Category Manager

Full-Time 60750 - 74250 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape global category strategies and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join JLL, a leader in real estate services committed to innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced pension, private medical insurance, and hybrid working options.
  • Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a collaborative and supportive team.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while leveraging AI and analytics for smarter sourcing decisions.
  • Qualifications: Degree in strategic procurement or management consulting with strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way .

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients.

We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong.

Whether you've got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you're looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Global Category Manager

If you like turning spend data into smart sourcing decisions, this role is for you.

As our Global Category Manager, you'll join JLL's global Corporate Procurement team, which manages over $1.2 billion in annual spend, as our marketing spend grows toward $250 million by 2030.

You'll build category strategies and strong commercial cases, with a focus on meetings and events, and bring new supplier ideas into our marketing supply chain.

You'll also help us capture the value AI is creating as agencies change how they work and price.

Along the way, you'll partner with colleagues across regions and functions and build your expertise across a broad marketing portfolio.

What you'll do

  • Help shape and deliver global category strategies and sub-category responsibilities, from gathering business requirements to stakeholder management and delivery, feeding insights into global workstreams and responding to ad hoc requests.
  • Develop regional and local strategies that fit global frameworks, and make sure they follow global toolkits, governance and policies.
  • Support sourcing from start to finish: supplier due diligence and assessment, request for proposal (RFP) and bid management, contract negotiation and transition into delivery.
  • Work with business partners to manage agency relationships and commercial performance, so we deliver full contract value, including efficiency gains as agencies adopt generative AI.
  • Use AI and advanced analytics to benchmark agency costs, spot pricing anomalies and quantify efficiency opportunities from new technology.
  • Own savings and benefits reconciliation, making sure savings are captured, validated and approved through the right process.
  • Support supplier diversity, sustainability and ethical sourcing across agency partnerships, and manage supplier risk with clear mitigation plans.
  • Spot and carry out process improvements, including updating outdated policies and procedures.

What we're looking for

  • A degree and a background in strategic procurement, category management or management consulting, with exposure to marketing or professional services categories.
  • A solid grasp of procurement fundamentals: sourcing methods, contract and pricing negotiation, and savings calculation and validation.
  • Confidence using AI tools and advanced analytics for spend analysis, benchmarking and insight.
  • The ability to work with large datasets and build clear, useful reports and dashboards, backed by strong Excel and MS Office skills.
  • Strong project management, analytical and presentation skills.
  • A collaborative, influencing style that helps you build lasting relationships with internal and external partners and work well across regional and global stakeholders in a matrix environment.
  • An entrepreneurial mindset, sharp business acumen and a commitment to ethical sourcing, with a record of delivering results in challenging environments.
  • A plus: experience in marketing category management, agency-side roles or consulting; knowledge of meetings and events sourcing and agency cost structures; an understanding of how AI and automation are changing marketing costs and workflows; or a master's degree (MBA, or MS in a field such as Supply Chain Management or Procurement).
  • What you can expect from us

You'll join a team that invests in your growth, rewards your work and gives you room to build a career with us. Here's what we offer:

  • Competitive base salary
  • Enhanced pension scheme
  • Private medical insurance
  • Electric car scheme
  • Hybrid working, with two to three days a week in the office
  • Great opportunities for long-term career progression
  • Recognition as a great place to work: ranked number 13 in the Financial Times UK Best Employers index

Location: London, UK is preferred. We'll also consider other locations in Europe like Portugal, Spain or Poland, Warsaw and the U. S. Dallas, Chicago and Nashville

  • Location
  • On-site -London, GBR
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Global Category Manager employer: Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated

At JLL, we are dedicated to empowering our employees to shape a brighter future in real estate, particularly within our dynamic Affordable Housing team based in London. Our inclusive work culture fosters professional growth through mentorship and collaboration, while offering flexible working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance. Join us to be part of a successful, innovative company that values your unique contributions and provides opportunities for meaningful career advancement.

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Contact Details:

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Global Category Manager

✨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 Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated.

✨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 Manager

Strategic Procurement
Category Management
Management Consulting
Sourcing Methods
Contract Negotiation
Pricing Negotiation
Savings Calculation

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 Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. 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 Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated.

How to prepare for a job interview at Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated

✨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 Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated!

✨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 Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. 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 Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated's culture.