Group Category Manager Business Services

ROLE

Unique opportunity to further develop strategic procurement in Business Services at global and European level, defining and executing sourcing strategies and initiatives across all major spend categories (IT, Consulting, Retail Materials and Services, HR, Insurances).

This role offers career development opportunities in an international context.

Activities & Responsibilities

• Work with Head Group Indirect Procurement and relevant Group and local functions, to define and implement sourcing strategies across the key categories in scope, (IT Hardware & Software, Consulting, Retail Materials and Services, HR, Insurances), focusing on large Group suppliers.
• Define and implement a multi-year pipeline of value delivery initiatives across the key categories in scope, with the target of generating significant year-on-year value for the Group, without compromising on quality or service level
• Establish strong relationships with key stakeholders across the relevant functions, promoting and demonstrating the value of Indirect Procurement in their areas
• Provide ad-hoc support and guidance for headquarter-related sizeable sourcing projects within Business Services, also outside of the major spend categories
• Design and negotiate master service agreements, in collaboration with the Group Legal department, establishing best-in-class commercial models in contracts
• Establish alignment with relevant local procurement teams on Group value delivery initiatives, as well as a clear collaboration model by category and initiative
• Regularly exchange with local procurement teams, fostering best practice sharing in relation to categories in scope
• Provide insights into the latest regional / global market developments for the major spend categories
• Ensure relevant templates and tools are in place for all major categories and available for all Group and local stakeholders
• Use e-sourcing tools or advanced sourcing solutions whenever appropriate
• Organize and facilitate cross-country / cross-functional workshops and meetings

Experience

• 5+ years of professional experience in a global / regional procurement organization, preferably within FMCG or food industry. Prior Consulting experience of advantage
• Consolidated procurement experience in indirect procurement, with solid experience in leading regional / global sourcing projects across some of the key categories in scope, i.e. IT, Consulting, Retail Materials and Services, HR, Insurances
• Experience in complex negotiations with senior stakeholders, as well as in defining and negotiating different commercial models within the categories in scope
• Successful track record of designing and implementing sourcing strategies in a decentralised organisation, delivering sustainable year-on-year cost reductions without compromising service level
• Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams on a change journey with discipline, transparency and authenticity
• Strong project management experience and ability to deal with ambiguity
• Experience in structuring and negotiating master service agreements, in collaboration with the Legal department
• Strong stakeholder management experience; obtaining buy-in from central as well as local senior stakeholders is critical for being successful in this position
• Experience in e-sourcing and other advanced tools like Sievo and Coupa, relevant for the categories in scope

Qualifications

• University degree in business / procurement or related fields
• Languages: fluent spoken and written English at business level; German, Italian or French - written & spoken - of advantage

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with key stakeholders in multiple locations
• Strong negotiation skills
• Working with teams across several nationalities and cultures
• Down-to-earth work attitude, hands-on mentality
• Strong presentation skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Business and financial acumen
• Excellent social & communication skills