Category Manager

Description

• Identify critical suppliers and create appropriate engagement plans to ensure our Supply Chain risk profile and inputs to continuous improvement are proactively managed
• Solicit and utilize varied and complex data sets to identify new opportunities to drive benefits through contract E2E lifecycle
• Oversee strategic and complex sourcing activities utilizing various market approach tools; RFI, RFP, e-sourcing, reverse auction, consortiums, etc.
• Hold suppliers to account for performance delivery using KPI data and strategic business reviews
• Contribute to business case development to support alternate country sourcing initiatives, where appropriate
• Leading a team of Buyers (Category Leads, Senior Buyers, Buyers & Associate Buyers), developing talent and a performance management culture that drives value through employee engagement which successfully meets or exceeds all strategic objectives for the area.
• Manage the forecast and delivery of category benefit targets in support of team and Procurement commitments and goals
• Build appropriate supplier performance measurements (KPIs) into contractual frameworks
• Support the Procurement Business Partner(s) to engage with the Business Unit, and where appropriate directly support the strategic relationship with them to ensure their procurement and supply chain needs are delivered in line with business requirements.
• Support the development and delivery of a comprehensive suite of category strategies for the Business Unit providing market capability and capacity intelligence, ensuring that maximum value is realized from the significant procurement spend, while securing supply, managing supply chain risks, and achieving sustainability objectives.
• Understand how to analyze large data sets and extract information to implement strategic decision making
• Engage with Stakeholders and staff to establish clear business needs and regulatory requirements; apply forward thinking skills to set near and long term E2E category strategies and a roadmap to continuous improvements and benefits
• Evaluate and apply the concept of total cost of ownership (TCO) and supplier / contract switching costs to support decision making options
• Demonstrate a collaborative approach with supply base and develop integrated plans to drive appropriate value for business and customer requirements
• Identify innovative Procurement solutions that provide benefits and process efficiencies for the organization.
• Guide and support development of category strategies representing requirements of our business plans and commitments made to regulators and customers

Requirements

• Understand criteria for alternative country sourcing, where appropriate, and associated risks and how its’ supply chain can contribute to our business needs
• Ability to communicate dynamically as a manager of people and to senior leaders within National Grid and supplier organizations.
• Category Management & Strategic Sourcing Subject Matter Expert and a desire and ability to coach and lead Procurement staff and stakeholders
• Understanding of Company and contract conditions; short and long-term Company desired position
• Demonstrate ability in working with multiple ERP systems: SAP, Ariba, etc.
• Good understanding of broader business objectives and the implications of strategic planning and actions within the category.
• Track record of driving value in areas of value engineering, usage of lean techniques to identify and eliminate waste and identify income opportunities in the extended supply chain
• Expert in establishing structured negotiation plans and supports staff in development of market position and company needs; integrates most and least acceptable outcome positions
• Track record of driving strategic changes through category intelligence.
• Understanding inputs to suppliers and supply chain positions, desired outcomes, and leverage points
• Preferred seven years’+ experience in strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, supply chain management or vendor management
• Experience in managing high performing teams.
• Applicable expertise across a range of strategic sourcing activities.
• Ability to craft and negotiate terms and performance criteria with legal and stakeholder input
• Expert influencing and negotiation skills to drive optimum value through the award of commercially sound contracts.
• Relationship management experience, driving commercial value and performance through contracts.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance