Procurement Category Manager Equipment & Technology

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. 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. Additional exposure to implementation of complex solutions would be an added advantage.

The Senior Category Manager will work closely with the Global Procurement Director Production & Market Research responsible for category strategy formulation. The Category Manager will be expected to work independently with minimal supervision, using advanced business acumen to design execution plans and make optimal recommendations for ratification and approval by the Global Procurement Director Production.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertaking complex spend analysis, spotting patterns, trends, and opportunities, and making recommendations for new project or commercial and legal improvement opportunities.
• Conducting market research and consulting stakeholders to understand technical and commercial aspects of complex business needs.
• 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.
• 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.
• Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial procurement environment.
• 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 (25 days plus 8 bank holidays), increasing after 5 years.
• Birthday Day Off that can be used in your birthday month.
• Flexible Bank Holidays.
• Reflection Days for time away from work.
• Work your World, after one year, the opportunity to work anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks a year.
• Help@Hand, our lifestyle and wellbeing app.
• Inclusive Policies to support you and your family.
• Local discounts, restaurants & retailers in Westfield White City.
• Onsite Café with complimentary breakfast and a subsidised lunch menu.