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- Tasks: Manage sourcing for multiple commodities and develop cost-saving strategies.
- Company: Join a leading retail and digital business focused on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexibility and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on profitability while collaborating with senior leaders in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualification or studying is preferred; strong communication and negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to influence key stakeholders and drive significant cost reductions.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Indirects Category Manager
Permanent
Hybrid 2 days a week on-site
Job Purpose
Reporting into the Head of Indirects, you will have responsibility for multiple commodities including but not limited to H&S, property, security and environmental spend areas, sourcing activities for the Indirects contracts across multiple areas of the Retail and Digital business.
You will be responsible for developing the category sourcing strategy to capture real savings through pooling company-wide purchasing volumes, negotiating Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) contracts with suppliers and leading other TCO cost reduction initiatives.
You should be able to take a holistic view of your category and have the ability to make improvements and develop flexible and creative solutions to support business strategies and the Support Office and Operational senior leadership team.
As part of this multi-disciplined role, you will need to challenge and influence senior stakeholders within the business to ensure value for money in the Group’s external spend and deliver real cost savings to the bottom line supporting the profitability of the business.
Responsibilities
- Develop effective procurement, cost reduction strategies and implementation plans tailored to the category based on internal assessments of current and future needs, market trends and competition, in collaboration with the Support Office and Operational teams.
- Identify and prioritise sourcing projects within the category across different spend areas whilst incorporating the annual procurement plan for digital and retail projects.
- Drive initiatives to deliver significant cost reductions and year-over-year productivity improvements in TCO while maintaining or improving product quality and supplier service levels.
- Ensure strategies are implemented and TCO reductions secured according to implementation plans.
- Lead the vendor selection and negotiation process and define supplier standards (RFQ, Tendering process, Master contracts).
- Maintain contractual and business relations and drive negotiations with all assigned suppliers, as well as monitor supplier satisfaction.
Performance management
- Measure and track internal key performance measures, define the data collection process and forecast budgetary impact and actual savings.
- Assess performance of operational purchasing, identify key issues and fix with permanent solutions.
Knowledge, Expertise and Qualifications
- MCIPS qualified or studying is desirable.
- Ability to develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of the supply market, covering all relevant markets and supplier base, including the relevant legislation and policies.
- Detailed knowledge of contract law, structuring & documentation of agreements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence internal stakeholders at all levels.
- Good team player able to work effectively as part of the Purchasing Team as well as being part of virtual teams across the business.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Purchasing
Industries
Retail and Gambling Facilities and Casinos
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Indirects Category Manager employer: The Curve Group
Contact Detail:
The Curve Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirects Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in indirect procurement and cost reduction strategies. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your expertise in developing effective sourcing strategies.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the retail and digital sectors, especially those involved in procurement. Building relationships can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated contracts or driven cost reductions in previous roles. Highlighting your achievements will showcase your ability to deliver real savings and value for money.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the importance of stakeholder management in this role. Be ready to explain how you would influence senior stakeholders and ensure alignment with business strategies, as this is crucial for success in the Indirects Category Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Indirects Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Indirects Category Manager position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect relevant experience in procurement, cost reduction strategies, and vendor negotiations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and deliver savings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Discuss your approach to developing category sourcing strategies and how you can contribute to the company's profitability.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have MCIPS qualifications or are studying towards them, make sure to mention this prominently. Also, emphasize your knowledge of contract law and your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Curve Group
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Indirects Category Manager role. Familiarize yourself with the key responsibilities, such as developing procurement strategies and managing supplier relationships. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Since the role involves influencing senior stakeholders, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and ability to negotiate effectively, as these are crucial for this position.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of TCO and Cost Reduction
Be ready to discuss Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and your approach to cost reduction initiatives. Prepare specific examples of how you've implemented cost-saving strategies in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to deliver real savings.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Collaboration Skills
The role requires working closely with various teams. Share examples that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively within a team and across departments. Emphasize your adaptability and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic.
