Category Lead - Indirect Procurement

CHANEL; Croydon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury fashion brand is looking for a Category Lead in Croydon. This role involves strategic procurement and sourcing primarily for IT & Telecom and Marketing. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, strong negotiation skills, and a CIPS qualification. This position also emphasizes sustainability and fostering diversity within the procurement process.

Benefits

Private Medical

Pension

Employee Assistance and Support Lines

Cycle Scheme

Service Awards

Qualifications

• CIPS qualification is a must.
• At least 3 years of experience in strategic procurement.
• Proven ability to build relationships with partners and suppliers.
• Self-motivated and capable of managing multiple projects.
• Strong knowledge of procurement policies and contract negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data to identify opportunities and stakeholder expectations.
• Lead sourcing projects and collaborate with internal partners.
• Manage key suppliers and assess supply risks.
• Advise business stakeholders on procurement practices.
• Drive responsible sourcing and ESG initiatives.

Skills

CIPS qualification

Strategic procurement experience

Negotiation skills

IT sourcing expertise

Project management

Tools

SAP

Ariba

AX

Job description

Location: 5, Queensway, Croydon, CR9 4DL

Reports to: Head of Indirect Procurement - UK Region

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Your role @ CHANEL:

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing team committed to effective procurement. As a Category Lead, you will be a key member of a lean Indirect Procurement team.

Reporting to the Head of Indirect Procurement, you will support the development of the Procurement function and its tools, share best practices, and work closely with internal stakeholders to meet business requirements aligned with the global procurement strategy.

What impact you can create at Chanel:

The Category Lead will focus on categories such as IT & Telecom and Marketing & Communications. You will support business teams in managing procurement processes, including strategic sourcing, negotiation, contract management, vendor performance, risk assessment, and category management. You will also report on your categories and ensure documentation is aligned with the global IP team. Your role is vital in maximizing value from IT investments while ensuring compliance, sustainability, and innovation.

Key Job Responsibilities:

1. Gather and analyze data to understand opportunities and stakeholder expectations.
2. Learn about supplier markets, assess supply risks, and help define/improve the supplier panel (local, regional, global).
3. Lead sourcing projects within key spend categories, collaborating with internal partners.
4. Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and service standards.
5. Support financial analysis and negotiate commercial terms to reduce Total Cost of Ownership.
6. Act as category lead, working with project teams and stakeholders such as IT, Finance, Legal, and InfoSec.
7. Develop and review business cases for supplier selection and award decisions.
8. Manage key suppliers, possibly acting as a Lead Buyer for certain relationships.
9. Partner with the UK IT Leadership to forecast procurement needs and develop procurement roadmaps.
10. Advise business stakeholders on procurement processes and supplier relationships.
11. Drive responsible sourcing, data security, and ESG considerations.
12. Improve procurement practices, combining best practices with business needs.
13. Support procurement performance and compliance with the IP process handbook.
14. Assist the Head of Indirect Procurement in establishing procurement policies across the UK.

What you will bring to the role:

• CIPS qualification
• At least 3 years of strategic procurement experience
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with partners and suppliers
• Strong understanding of IT sourcing (software, hardware, services, infrastructure, telecoms, digital)
• Self-motivated, capable of managing multiple projects in a dynamic environment
• Business acumen and adaptability to external changes
• Excellent negotiation skills and contract knowledge
• Expertise in procurement policies, procedures, and tools (SAP, Ariba, AX, etc.)

You are energised by:

• Making work and life easier and more enjoyable for others
• Handling varied tasks and challenges
• Problem-solving on the spot
• Contributing to sustainability initiatives, including:
• Restoring Nature and Climate
• Investing in Circularity
• Advancing dignity and prosperity
• Promoting women's autonomy

What you will gain from this experience:

• Professional growth in procurement
• Exposure to diverse projects and teams within a leading fashion brand

Benefits at CHANEL:

• Physical Wellbeing: Private Medical, Online GP, Cycle Scheme
• Financial Wellbeing: Pension, Life Assurance, Retail Discounts
• Mental Wellbeing: Employee Assistance and Support Lines
• Platforms for Wellbeing support
• Lifestyle Discounts: Arts, Culture, CHANEL products, Employee Sales
• Recognition: Service Awards, Vouchers, Additional Holidays

At CHANEL, we foster an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, believing that diverse perspectives strengthen our team.