Head of Global Procurement & Category Strategy

Head of Global Procurement & Category Strategy

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Merlin

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier management to optimise costs and drive innovation.
  • Company: Merlin, a global leader in attractions and entertainment.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, life assurance, and free admission to attractions worldwide.
  • Other info: Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape procurement strategies that align with long-term goals.
  • Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Merlin is seeking a Procurement Director responsible for leading strategic sourcing and supplier management. The role involves developing best-in-class strategies, driving procurement initiatives, and ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term goals.

With a focus on cost optimization and innovation, the ideal candidate will have extensive procurement experience and strong negotiation skills, working closely with senior leadership and stakeholders.

Benefits include a competitive salary, pension, life assurance, and free admission to all attractions worldwide.

Head of Global Procurement & Category Strategy employer: Merlin

Merlin offers an exceptional work environment for the Head of Global Procurement & Category Strategy, where innovation and strategic thinking are highly valued. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive pension plans, life assurance, and the unique perk of free admission to all attractions worldwide, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, Merlin is committed to empowering its team members to achieve their career aspirations while contributing to the company's long-term success.

Merlin

Contact Details:

Merlin Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Global Procurement & Category Strategy

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 Merlin.

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 Head of Global Procurement & Category Strategy

Strategic Sourcing
Supplier Management
Cost Optimisation
Negotiation Skills
Procurement Experience
Stakeholder Engagement
Innovation

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 Merlin:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Merlin. 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 Merlin.

How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin

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 Merlin!

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 Merlin. 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 Merlin's culture.