At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global strategies for IT and Professional Services, managing significant spend and supplier relationships.
- Company: Morgan Advanced Materials, a global leader in engineering and manufacturing since 1856.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and high visibility across senior leadership teams.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to complex international sourcing programmes.
- Why this job: Shape global procurement strategy and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement, strong negotiation skills, and ability to influence stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Morgan Advanced Materials has been solving complex engineering and manufacturing challenges since 1856. Today, we're a global business with around 8,000 employees across more than 70 sites, using advanced ceramic and carbon technologies to help customers improve performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
We're strengthening our global indirect procurement capability and are looking for an experienced Global Category Manager to take ownership of our IT and Professional Services categories. This is a high-profile role with significant visibility across the organisation, partnering closely with business leaders and helping shape procurement strategy at a global level. You'll also act as Procurement Business Partner for our corporate functions, making this as much about stakeholder influence as it is about sourcing expertise.
The Role
- Lead the development and delivery of global category strategies across IT and Professional Services, managing significant spend, strategic suppliers, and complex stakeholder groups across multiple regions.
- Most of your internal customers and suppliers will be based in Europe, although the scope and impact of the role are genuinely global.
Responsibilities
- Lead global category strategies across IT, digital, software, telecoms, infrastructure, consulting, and professional services.
- Partner with senior business leaders to align procurement activity with organisational priorities.
- Act as Procurement Business Partner to corporate and head office functions.
- Lead strategic sourcing and contract negotiations across global and multi-regional supplier agreements.
- Develop supplier relationship management (SRM) strategies for key technology and services partners.
- Identify opportunities to improve cost, service, innovation, and risk management.
- Build and lead cross-functional sourcing teams across multiple regions.
- Support wider procurement initiatives including transformation, capability development, and business integration activities.
- Drive compliance and adoption of procurement strategies and agreements.
Qualifications
- Several years' experience managing global IT categories within large, complex organisations.
- Strong background covering areas such as software, infrastructure, cloud, telecoms, managed services, and professional services.
- Experience managing significant spend across multiple geographies and stakeholder groups.
- Proven success delivering strategic sourcing initiatives and commercial value.
- Comfortable influencing senior stakeholders and operating within matrix organisations.
- Strong negotiation, supplier management, and contract management skills.
- Analytical, commercially minded, and able to balance strategic thinking with delivery.
- Experience using procurement technologies, spend analytics, eSourcing, and contract management tools.
What You'll Get
- Opportunity to help shape a growing global procurement function.
- Exposure to complex international sourcing programmes.
- High visibility across senior leadership teams.
- Significant scope to influence procurement strategy and business outcomes.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Interested? If you're an experienced IT procurement leader looking for a genuinely global role with strategic influence, we'd love to hear from you.
Global Category Manager - IT & Professional Services - Indirect Procurement employer: Morgan Advanced Materials
Morgan Advanced Materials is an exceptional employer, offering CNC Setter/Operators the chance to thrive in a supportive and collaborative team environment in Rugby. With a commitment to career development and training, employees can enhance their skills while working on advanced materials and innovative engineering solutions within a globally recognised FTSE-listed manufacturer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Category Manager - IT & Professional Services - Indirect Procurement
✨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 Morgan Advanced Materials.
✨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 - IT & Professional Services - Indirect Procurement
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 Morgan Advanced Materials:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Morgan Advanced Materials. 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 Morgan Advanced Materials.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Advanced Materials
✨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 Morgan Advanced Materials!
✨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 Morgan Advanced Materials. 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 Morgan Advanced Materials's culture.
