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- Tasks: Shape and scale a global events category at McKinsey, driving strategy and execution.
- Company: Join McKinsey, a leader in consulting with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a culture of continuous learning.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse global community with exceptional colleagues.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing high-quality event experiences that matter.
- Qualifications: University degree and 5+ years in procurement or strategic sourcing required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Do you want to do work that matters, alongside supportive leaders who will help you grow faster than you ever thought possible? Are you a creative problem-solver who is energized by challenges? You’ve come to the right place.
YOUR IMPACT
You will play a key role in building and scaling a newly established global events category at McKinsey. You will help shape a category from the ground up—moving from a historically disaggregated, decentralized model toward a more transparent, strategic, and value driven approach aligned with McKinsey’s Third-Party Management Framework. You will work closely with the senior category manager for Event Services to develop and implement a fact-based global category strategy, while supporting practical execution across regions. Your role sits at the intersection of strategy, analytics, stakeholder engagement, and implementing our third-party management framework in the event services category globally.
As part of the Optimize Events team, you will contribute to McKinsey’s broader ambition to deliver purposeful, responsible, and high-quality event experiences—balancing cost, quality, risk, and experience for both the firm and attendees. You will play a key part in establishing and evolving McKinsey’s Event Services category, working closely with the senior category manager to translate strategy into actionable outcomes. Your work will encompass both foundational category development and ongoing execution, with a focus on driving transparency, alignment, and value across the firm.
You will advance category insights and transparency by supporting efforts to improve visibility into event-related spend and supplier usage. This will help the firm better understand patterns, priorities, and opportunity areas across regions. You will contribute to the development and refinement of the global Event Services category strategy, including defining scope, success measures, and priority focus areas, all informed by fact-based analysis. You will collaborate across the organization by partnering with regional teams, cross-functional groups, and suppliers to ensure alignment with global priorities while balancing local needs. You will also communicate the rationale behind category initiatives clearly and effectively.
Additionally, you will support supplier and sourcing initiatives by contributing to targeted sourcing in repeatable, high-volume areas. You will assist with supplier segmentation and preferred supplier models, including the development of rate structures, foundational commercial frameworks, and early performance and value insights. You will make a meaningful impact by shaping the Event Services category and driving value for the firm.
YOUR GROWTH
Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development. The real magic happens when you take the input from others to heart and embrace the fast-paced learning experience, owning your journey.
A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You’ll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions, all while upholding our unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. We not only encourage diverse perspectives, but they are critical in driving us toward the best possible outcomes.
Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm’s diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Exceptional benefits: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well-being for you and your family.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- University degree in business, operations, analytics, or a related field
- 5+ years of relevant experience, with 2+ years of experience in procurement or strategic sourcing and contracting for events globally. Experience in event operations would be a plus
- Experience working in complex, stakeholder rich environments (professional services a plus)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with comfort working with imperfect or evolving data
- Ability to structure ambiguous problems and translate insights into practical recommendations
- Experience with Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with event technology tools (e.g., Cvent) is a plus
- Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and priorities independently
- Collaborative mindset and comfort working across functions and geographies
- Pragmatic, action-oriented approach with attention to detail
- Limited travel, as required
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely
Category Specialist - Event Services employer: Mckinsey & Company, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Mckinsey & Company, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist - Event Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you answer questions more effectively and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the role. Keep it concise and focus on what you can bring to the table, especially in terms of driving value in event services.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist - Event Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Specialist role. Highlight your experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, especially in event services, to show us you’re the right fit!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: We love a good problem-solver! Use your application to demonstrate how you've tackled complex challenges in the past, especially with data analysis. This will help us see your potential impact on our global events category.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your ideas come across effectively. Remember, you want to convey your thoughts without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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 Mckinsey & Company, Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into McKinsey's Event Services category. Understand their current strategies and challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes. Highlight your experience with Excel and any event technology tools, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
✨Be a Collaborative Communicator
Since the role involves working across various teams, practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders to achieve a common goal.
✨Embrace the Learning Mindset
McKinsey values continuous learning, so be ready to discuss how you've embraced feedback in the past. Share instances where you've adapted based on input from others, showcasing your growth-oriented attitude.