Procurement - Category Manager Equipment & Technology in London

Publicis Groupe is one of the largest advertising agency holding companies in the world and a global leader in the fields of marketing, communications, and digital transformation. Publicis Re: Sources is the backbone of Publicis Groupe, providing business solutions, technology platforms, and expertise to transform, innovate, and increase productivity.

An opportunity has arisen for a Global Category Manager to join the Publicis Groupe Procurement team. The Procurement team provides holistic procurement business solutions to the companies within the Publicis Groupe, managing the full cycle from sourcing to vendor and contract management.

The Senior Category Manager will be responsible for managing the full procurement cycle for Publicis' own Production Studios spend products and services, focusing on regional or global opportunities with occasional market-specific projects. Previous experience with Content Production procurement is preferred.

The Category Manager will be expected to work independently, use advanced business acumen, interact with senior stakeholders, gather requirements, perform market analysis, draft RFX, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor contracts.

Responsibilities:

• Undertakes complex spend analysis and makes recommendations for new project or commercial improvements.
• Conducts market research and consults stakeholders to understand technical and commercial aspects of complex business needs.
• Shapes and articulates complex business needs and outcomes, ensuring alignment of procurement plans to organisational strategic objectives.
• Prepares category and sourcing strategy for approval by CPO and/or Global Procurement Director Production.
• Prepares well-structured RFX documentation for complex requirements and runs fair, transparent competitive bidding processes.
• Oversees the evaluation process for complex procurements to ensure compliance and drive value for money outcomes.
• Drafts contract terms and negotiates contractual terms, providing influential advice to senior stakeholders.
• Writes implementation plans, communications, and creates business plans.
• Advises on the development of the contract management strategy based on risk and importance to achieving objectives.
• Identifies and designs plans for vendor management and ensures execution.
• Challenges and offers suggestions to improve procurement activities.
• Tracks savings and cost avoidance potential, dealing with financial planning and forecasting.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years' experience of category management and executing complex RFP processes.
• Developed project management skills; highly organised and able to prioritise tasks.
• Advanced negotiation skills and sound financial, legal, and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic procurement environment.
• Excellent communication skills, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Completely literate in English and one other language.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.

We offer a hybrid working pattern of 3 days in the office and 2 days WFH. Our main office is located in the iconic Television Centre (TVC) at White City, London. We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. Publicis Groupe UK fosters an inclusive environment through our Employee Action Groups (EAGs). We have a comprehensive benefits offering including annual leave, flexible bank holidays, reflection days, and various lifestyle and wellbeing support services.