Category Manager

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in procurement is seeking a Category Manager for their International Procurement team in London. The role involves supporting indirect procurement, managing supplier relationships, and executing sourcing strategies to optimize costs and deliver value. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills, a Bachelor's degree, and significant procurement experience. Join a culture that prioritizes collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years Procurement experience required.
• Experience in international procurement for 2+ years preferred.
• Strong capability in balancing workload and prioritizing tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead category sourcing strategy and implementation.
• Support execution of sourcing strategy to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Analyze spend data to identify opportunities for value delivery.

Skills

Data Analysis

Supplier Relationship Management

Negotiation

Project Management

Education

Bachelor

MBA or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Coupa

Oracle

Job description

Description & Requirements

who we are:

lululemon is an innovative performance apparel company for yoga, running, training, and other athletic pursuits. Setting the bar in technical fabrics and functional design, we create transformational products and experiences that support people in moving, growing, connecting, and being well. We owe our success to our innovative product, emphasis on stores, commitment to our people, and the incredible connections we make in every community we're in. As a company, we focus on creating positive change to build a healthier, thriving future. In particular, that includes creating an equitable, inclusive and growth-focused environment for our people.

about this team:

The Global Procurement team are trusted business advisors who strategically partner with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to create value and mitigate risk in strategic non-product purchases for the global organization. The team supports the business in increasing its profitability and return on investment by creating value in our indirect supply chain through strategic & stakeholder-centric procurement. From providing category expertise, market insights, cost savings opportunities, supplier performance and relationship management & developing short and long-term strategies, the Global Procurement team plays a key role in value delivery for our business.

a day in the life:

The Category Manager, International Procurement supports indirect procurement activities across our International Procurement Tower, in our EMEA market, with a focus on supporting cross-functional stakeholders in meeting their business goals and objectives. They support these goals through complex data analysis, competitive sourcing events, supplier negotiation, day-to-day management of supplier performance, and project management. They support the PLT in executing aspects of annual category plans and escalate opportunities or risks to those goals.

what you'll do:

• Develop and support (sometimes leading) the category sourcing strategy & implementation in partnership with global procurement and business stakeholders
• Support execution of sourcing strategy and category planning to X-functional business stakeholders - MKT, Technology, Corp. service, Store development & IFM and SCM etc.
• Leverage deep expertise in leading sourcing RFX, supplier/contract negotiation and deliver good results to multi-projects simultaneously.
• Generate productivities and or create value in non-product procurement to fuel business growth through internal and external collaboration, optimization of total cost ownership and risk mitigation.
• Bring agility and sourcing efficiency to all activity; define specific roadmaps containing prioritization of sourcing categories and events.
• Guide and sometimes be a consultant to internal stakeholders about procurement policies and best practices
• Analyze spend data and other resources to identify value delivery opportunities and uncover additional insights.
• Facilitate the contract management process, liaising with legal counsel to ensure agreements are executed.
• Manage supplier performance/relationship to provide sustainable support to business
• Understand and manage digital tools related to procurement activity management and efficiency improvement.

qualifications:

• Required: Bachelor
• Preferred: MBA, SCMP or equivalent professional designation
• 5+ years Procurement experience
• 2+ years of international procurement

must haves:

• Experience in analyzing complex data to develop insights and quickly learning and adopting new methods and processes.
• Capable of balancing workload and prioritizing tasks.
• Excellent PC skills (Microsoft Office), knowledge of P2P (Coupa)/Oracle a plus.
• Acknowledge the presence of choice in every moment and take personal responsibility for your life.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and continuously innovate to achieve great results.
• Ability to communicate and build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders at most levels.
• Communicate with honesty and kindness and create the space for others to do the same.
• Lead with courage, knowing the possibility of greatness is bigger than the fear of failure.
• Foster connection by putting people first and building trusting relationships.
• Integrate fun and joy as a way of being and working, aka doesn't take yourself too seriously.
• A passion for process improvement and efficiency.
• Self motivated, passionate, empathetic, approachable.
• Familiar with Retail industry will be a plus.

workplace arrangement:

In-person collaboration and connection is important to our culture. Work is performed onsite, minimum 4 days per week