At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology procurement, manage sourcing activities, and influence strategic business decisions.
- Company: Join ASDA, a major player in retail with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a dynamic and collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving procurement transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience in technology procurement and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Join ASDA's Procurement Transformation Journey. Procurement is playing a key strategic role in driving growth, delivering value, and influencing commercial decisions across ASDA. As part of our continued investment in Procurement, we're looking for a Category Manager - Technology Procurement. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Technology Procurement professional, or a high-performing indirect procurement specialist looking to take ownership of a diverse portfolio, partnering with senior stakeholders to drive value, innovation and business outcomes within a complex, fast-paced retail environment.
As part of the category team, you'll have responsibility for end-to-end sourcing activity along with setting the category strategy. You'll also influence and partner your category stakeholders to help deliver our cost transformation activity and help ensure a best-in-class cost base.
- Strategic Projects: You'll lead on a variety of major business technology investments, executive priorities and cost transformation programmes; delivering some of our largest and most impactful activity.
- Programme: You'll help deliver our cost and cash programme, develop our expertise across all categories, build the long-term roadmap, and leverage data and analytics to provide insight across the teams.
- Transformation: You'll help deliver the overall procurement transformation, including embedding new ways of working both within the procurement team and in the ASDA business itself. This team will also lead the procurement technology roadmap, define processes, set standards.
- Partnering: You'll lead commercial strategy to unlock value, partnering with Asda Technology and the CIO to deliver both near-term and long-term value.
In addition you will:
- Manage end-to-end sourcing activities and develop technology category strategies.
- Influence and collaborate with stakeholders to support transformation initiatives and maintain a competitive cost base.
- Lead on major business investments and executive priorities within the function.
- Contribute to our cost and cash programme, leveraging data and analytics in the Centre of Excellence.
- Drive the procurement transformation, setting new standards and defining the procurement technology roadmap.
A successful Category Manager - Technology should have:
- Proven experience in Technology Procurement/Category Management across Software, SaaS, Professional Services and Managed Services.
- Skilled in crafting and managing complex contracts.
- Adept at balancing and anticipating the needs of various stakeholders.
- Experience in influencing senior levels within a large organisation.
- Agile and adaptable to support business needs in a dynamic transformation environment.
- Proactive self-starter who can work autonomously and engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
We are open to individuals seeking to switch categories if they have had exposure to Technology Procurement Categories.
This is a unique opportunity to join a Procurement function undergoing significant investment and transformation, where Procurement is increasingly recognised as a key driver of business performance. You'll benefit from:
- Ownership of a high-profile and diverse Technology Services portfolio.
- Exposure to senior leaders across functions.
- The opportunity to influence strategic business decisions and transformation programmes.
- A collaborative, fast-paced retail environment where no two days are the same.
- Clear opportunities for career development within an evolving Procurement function.
- Hybrid working, competitive salary, car allowance, bonus and excellent benefits.
If you're a procurement professional with indirect category management experience and a passion for Technology Services Procurement, we'd love to hear from you. Join ASDA and help shape the future of Technology Services Procurement.
Category Manager - Technology in Leeds employer: Michael Page International
Michael Page is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong focus on mentoring and team collaboration, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements and a competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses. Joining this multinational organisation means being part of a high-growth team dedicated to delivering exceptional tax compliance services across diverse sectors.
Contact Details:
Michael Page International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Technology in Leeds
✨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 Michael Page International.
✨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 Category Manager - Technology in Leeds
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 Michael Page International:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page International. 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 Michael Page International.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page International
✨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 Michael Page International!
✨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 Michael Page International. 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 Michael Page International's culture.
