At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement cycles for production services and equipment, driving strategic vendor relationships.
- Company: Join Publicis Groupe, a global leader in marketing and digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Work hybrid in a vibrant office at the iconic Television Centre, London.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in category management with strong negotiation and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Company Description
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. A Connecting Company for the Connected Age, Publicis Groupe delivers winning solutions for clients through the Power of One — driven by a common purpose, a powerful spirit, shared behaviours, great character and a relentless focus on our clients. Publicis Re:Sources is the backbone of Publicis Groupe, providing business solutions, technology platforms and expertise to transform, innovate and increase productivity.
Overview
An opportunity has arisen for a Global Category Manager to join the Publicis Groupe Procurement team. The Procurement team is a board-mandated function providing holistic procurement business solutions to the companies within the Publicis Groupe. The department’s motto is to Protect, Enrich, Challenge and Reduce Publicis Groupe spend via best-in-class procurement processes and negotiations. This role will be based in our London office. Please only apply if you have the right to work in the UK.
The Senior Category Manager will be responsible for managing the full procurement cycle for Publicis own Production Studios spend products and services, focusing on either regional or global opportunities with occasional market specific projects focused on Publicis key markets. Previous experience with Content Production procurement (such as Video/Photo Production shooting and Postproduction equipment and software) in association with the sales cycle is preferred. Additional exposure to implementation of complex solutions would be an added advantage.
Responsibilities
- Undertakes complex spend analysis, spots patterns, trends and opportunities and makes recommendations for new project or commercial and legal improvement opportunities to the Global Procurement Director – Production.
- Undertakes market research and consults stakeholders to understand technical and commercial aspects of a range of complex business needs.
- Works with various stakeholders to shape and articulate complex business needs and outcomes, whilst ensuring alignment of procurement plans to wider organisational strategic objectives.
- Prepares category and sourcing strategy for approval by CPO and/or Global Procurement Director Production; explores and assesses appropriate options and tailors actions accordingly.
- Prepares well-structured RFX documentation containing relevant information for complex requirements, including shaping qualitative criteria and pricing schedules and running fair, transparent and efficient competitive bidding processes.
- Oversees or directs the evaluation process for complex or politically sensitive procurements to ensure compliance with all policy requirements and to drive value for money outcome.
- Ability to draft contract terms from a standard template and negotiate contractual terms; ensures the application of principles of contract law in procurement and uses knowledge to provide influential advice to senior stakeholders.
- Engages with senior legal experts on complex contract law matters.
- Ability to write implementation plans, communications and create business plans.
- Advises on the development of the contract management strategy for complex requirements based on risk, the nature of the contract, and its importance to achieving agency and government objectives.
- Identifies and designs plans for vendor management and ensures their execution, regularly meets and manages vendors, provides with strategic plans, opportunities and updates.
- Challenges and offers suggestions to improve procurement activities, where appropriate, including identifying opportunities for aggregation.
- Responsible for tracking 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.
- Business acumen: sound financial, legal and communication skills.
- Politically savvy: ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
- Previous experience of working in a fast paced, dynamic and entrepreneurial procurement environment.
- A proven team player with excellent communication skills, analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Completely literate in English language and one other.
Qualifications and Certifications
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
Additional Information
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 and are happy to discuss and explore reasonable adjustments during the hiring process. Publicis Groupe UK fosters an inclusive environment through our inspirational Employee Action Groups (EAGs). We have a comprehensive benefits offering, including Annual Leave (25 days plus 8 bank holidays), increasing after 5 years, by 1 day per additional service up to 30 days, Birthday Day Off, Flexible Bank Holidays, Reflection Days, and the opportunity to work anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks a year after completion of one year. We also provide a lifestyle and wellbeing app that supports you and your family, along with inclusive policies to support you and your family.
Procurement - Category Manager Equipment & Technology in London employer: Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of Greater London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits such as Pension, Life Assurance, and Private Medical cover, ensuring our team feels valued and supported. Join us to lead innovative strategies for renowned brands like Disney, while enjoying a workplace that champions inclusivity and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement - Category Manager Equipment & Technology in London
✨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 Publicis Groupe.
✨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 Procurement - Category Manager Equipment & Technology in London
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 Publicis Groupe:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Publicis Groupe. 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 Publicis Groupe.
How to prepare for a job interview at Publicis Groupe
✨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 Publicis Groupe!
✨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 Publicis Groupe. 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 Publicis Groupe's culture.
