Global Category Lead, Professional Services
Location: UK (Hybrid)
(This role will require the ability to travel up to 25% of the time)
Industry: FMCG/ Manufacturing
About the Role:
In this role, you will lead Professional Services Procurement categories such as Legal, HR, Finance, Facilities Management, Consulting and Travel globally. You will shape global category strategies and execution plans, assessing supplier landscapes and market trends to deliver sustained value. Building strong partnerships with stakeholders will be essential to align with business priorities and ensure adherence to procurement policies and financial governance. You will also coordinate a Global network of Regional Professional Services buyers, ensuring alignment to the Global strategy and helping to elevate procurement performance.
Key Responsibilities:
* Identify and manage execution of strategic category initiatives (e.g., tail-spend management, supplier-driven innovation)
* Manage, track, and report on Professional Services spend / sourcing initiatives & savings in the internal tool in collaboration with regional procurement teams
* Manage cross-regional senior level engagement with business stakeholders on Professional Services needs and strategy
* Lead the development of global category strategies for Consulting, Legal Services, HR, Contingent Labor, Facility Services and Travel, aligned to business needs.
* Proactive and effective internal stakeholder collaboration and alignment on long term strategic business goals including central functions such as HR, Legal, Finance, Strategy, Research and Development
* Proven ability to drive long term value with long-range category strategies and strategic thinking
* Drive global category strategies to deliver top-tier results through structured negotiations, coaching Regional Category Managers on key negotiations, capitalize on digital capabilities of eSourcing, eAuctions to deliver value with speed.
* Support the creation and maintenance of category knowledge and processes to ensure strategies remain informed and relevant.
Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s Degree in business, supply chain or related discipline
* 10 years+ of experience in Procurement or related, preferred experience in category management, preferably in FMCG
* Expert negotiator/results oriented
* Expert level category knowledge, strategy and execution
* Ability to work across global regions and cultures
* Demonstrated ability to deliver results in a global matrixed organization
* Highly strategic, innovative with strong problem-solving skills
* Excellent communication skills (Both written and oral) and ability to communicate across multiple levels of the organization, including executive leadership
* General working knowledge of COUPA, MS Office, and other relevant procurement tools and systems
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