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, focusing on protecting, enriching, challenging, and reducing 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. Previous experience with Content Production procurement (such as Video/Photo Production shooting and Postproduction equipment and software) is preferred. The Senior Category Manager will work closely with the Global Procurement Director Production & Market Research responsible for category strategy formulation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertaking complex spend analysis, spotting patterns, trends, and opportunities, and making recommendations for new projects or commercial and legal improvement opportunities.
• Conducting market research and consulting stakeholders to understand technical and commercial aspects of complex business needs.
• Working with various stakeholders to shape and articulate complex business needs and outcomes, ensuring alignment of procurement plans to wider organisational strategic objectives.
• Preparing category and sourcing strategy for approval by CPO and/or Global Procurement Director Production.
• Preparing well-structured RFX documentation for complex requirements and running fair, transparent, and efficient competitive bidding processes.
• Overseeing or directing the evaluation process for complex procurements to ensure compliance with policy requirements and drive value for money outcomes.
• Drafting contract terms from a standard template and negotiating contractual terms.
• Writing implementation plans, communications, and creating business plans.
• Advising on the development of the contract management strategy for complex requirements.
• Identifying and designing plans for vendor management and ensuring their execution.
• Tracking savings and cost avoidance potential, dealing with financial planning and forecasting.

Required Skills/Experience:

• 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.
• Sound financial, legal, and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• 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. 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, and wellbeing support.