Category Lead (Directs) Join a global consultancy committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions Lead a team of Category Managers in driving procurement excellence across the organisation Engage with senior stakeholders to develop and execute strategic Category Management plans Contribute to business development by providing supply chain solutions that meet client requirements Competitive salary and benefits package, with opportunities for professional development and career growth Our client, a leading global engineering and professional services consultancy, is seeking an experienced Category Lead (Directs) to drive strategic procurement initiatives across the organisation.
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled procurement professional to make a significant impact within a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Position Overview As the Category Lead (Directs), you will play a pivotal role in leading the Category Management team, setting direction, and establishing priorities to ensure the effective design and delivery of Category Strategies.
You will work closely with stakeholders across the business to align procurement activities with organisational goals and drive continuous improvement in supplier performance and innovation.
Responsibilities: Represent the Category Management team within and outside the business, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives Lead a team of Category Managers, setting direction, establishing priorities, and ensuring team motivation and performance Oversee the design and delivery of Category Strategies, providing knowledge-based challenge and input based on market, supplier, and industry expertise Engage with stakeholders to ensure procurement is involved strategically in all significant procurement activities from the outset Ensure suppliers are safe, sustainable, and perform in line with their SLAs, driving continuous improvement and pursuing innovation and growth opportunities Provide timely and accurate forecast reports showing expected savings versus budget Contribute to business development by providing supply chain solutions that meet client requirements Lead and execute strategic Category Management plans following the organisation's 5-stage methodology Ensure clear and auditable benefits tracking and reporting of annualised savings to budget Manage contract and performance aspects, setting up for future Supplier management Provide input to the annual business, financial, and people plan Requirements: Strong leadership and motivational ability, with a proven track record of delivering change programmes Demonstrable savings delivery using a Category Management process Cross-functional project management experience, able to deliver within a matrix environment Strong negotiation and influencing skills with both suppliers and internal stakeholders Experience in contract and Supplier Relationship Management Demonstrated experience in cost reduction activities Familiarity with direct subcategories is advantageous but not essential Experience across a diverse range of categories and sectors Gravitas to engage with and influence senior personnel Ability to suggest innovative and creative solutions to problems or perceived issues Strength of character to overcome challenges and deliver the best commercial solutions Company Overview: Our client is a global leader in engineering and professional services, renowned for their commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life for communities and the environment.
With a diverse portfolio of projects spanning various sectors, they foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.
The company values diversity and inclusion, encouraging employees to bring their unique perspectives to the table.
They are dedicated to professional development, offering opportunities for employees to grow their skills and advance their careers within a dynamic and supportive work environment.
How to Apply For more information about this exciting role and if you meet the criteria, please submit your details without delay to ****** quoting MB/ 1075929 .
Langley Search & Selection ( langleysearch.com ) is the leading specialist recruiter in the procurement, supply chain and purchasing field.
We manage permanent and interim procurement and supply chain jobs across the UK, Europe and globally for our clients, from large global multinationals to SMEs