Procurement Category Manager

Procurement at TalkTalk is changing. We have a vision of procurement as a function that delivers TalkTalk\’s business strategy through its suppliers, we call it Vendor Management. Delivering that vision will require a small team of skilled, experienced, and credible category managers to work alongside their business stakeholders.We\’re looking for people who share this vision and have the energy and hunger to drive the change we need. We\’re looking for people that think innovatively on how to best deliver for the business, are not constrained by a traditional procurement role, can influence in a complex and changing stakeholder landscape, and that won\’t take no for an answer.This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a new team, influence the evolution of procurement in a household brand, and make a real impact on the performance of the wider business..Your responsibilities:Understand and proactively manage TalkTalk spend in your category using comprehensive category strategies to make sure that every penny is delivering TalkTalk\’s business objectives. Success is defined by our impact on company KPI\’s including both financial and non-financial measures.Identifying and prioritising opportunities where procurement can deliver value, delivering those opportunities through strategic sourcing or negotiation, putting in place appropriate contracts, and then managing performance against the resulting contracts through lifeTo represent procurement as part of relevant business area leadership teams, including Executive Committee and their direct reportsBuilding business cases and supporting them through the relevant governanceBeing a positive and proactive member of the TalkTalk Vendor Management teamCore skills required:Experience negotiating with challenging and powerful suppliersSpecialism in SaaS, IT Managed Services, Cloud, and IT Resellers procurementAble to influence challenging stakeholders and work closely with themAbility to build strong relationships built on mutual trust and respectKnowledge and experience of delivering value through strategic procurement activityExperience running RFx processes, planning and running sourcing projects efficientlyCompetent and skilled negotiatorHighly data literate with good working knowledge of Excel and the ability to derive actionable insights from complex and incomplete data setsWorking knowledge of financial accounting basics including P&Ls, balance sheets, and cashflow statements and the practical differences between themAttention to detail while able to think strategically and long-termKnowledge of commercial contracts, including draftingUnderstanding of Supplier Relationship Management fundamentals, including performance and contractual managementEnthusiasm to grow and develop with training and attending industry eventsExperience of working in the Telecom industry is not requiredBe Yourself. Make an Impact. Join Us.As a recognised Top 50 Inclusive Employer in the UK, we believe that diversity fuels innovation and success. We\’re committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities and customers we serve. At TalkTalk, inclusion is part of our DNA – we\’re all 100% human, and we\’ve created a culture where you can truly be yourself.We\’re not your traditional 9-5. We\’re a dynamic, flexible workplace, and we\’re excited to hear how you like to work. Whether you thrive in collaboration, focus better at home, or prefer a bit of both – let\’s make it work.What We OfferFlexible hybrid working – with a minimum of 50% office presence to support teamwork and connectionCollaborative office spaces designed for creative thinking and innovationFree on-site parking at our officesGenerous holiday package – 25 days annual leave, 3 wellbeing days, and your birthday off (plus the option to buy up to 10 more days!)Private healthcare for all employeesCompetitive pension scheme and performance-related bonus opportunitiesFree broadband for all employeesLife event gifts – celebrating milestones like marriages and birthsInclusive employee networks – open to all, supporting peer connection and thought-provoking conversationsSalary sacrifice scheme – save on dental, gym, and moreBig retail and leisure discounts3 paid volunteering days a year – because making a difference matters to us too

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