Category Officer, Procurement, London

stonefort marine talent; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major international shipping operator in London seeks an exceptional and strategic procurement Category Officer. This pivotal role involves optimizing costs, managing supplier relationships, and aligning procurement with business goals. The ideal candidate will possess extensive procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, and a relevant degree. Join a dynamic team to drive performance improvements and contribute to the company's success.

Qualifications

• At least seven years of procurement experience with a ship owner or ship manager.
• Five years in category management.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of tendering & contracting processes including bid evaluation.
• Define & implement medium & long-term category plans.
• Analyze spend & demand data to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Negotiation

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Skills

Commercial Acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering

MSc in Supply Chain Management

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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OVERVIEW:

Our client - a major international shipping operator based in London - is looking for a exceptional, experienced, entrepreneurial & strategic procurement Category Officer. Reporting directly to the Head of Marine Procurement and Supply Chain, this is a pivotal & high impact position.

A versatile, leftfield thinker, the successful candidate will have an evidenced track record of cost optimization, value creation, and performance improvement. They will combine genuine passion for the complexities of maritime procurement with a deep understanding of how to:

(1) Achieve and assure the day-to-day operational needs of a diversified, globally trading fleet;

(2) Integrate procurement within and across a business;

(3) Use data analysis and insights to drive measurable performance improvement across categories and contracting activities;

(4) Support the wider strategic goals of the company.

Underpinning all of the above, the ideal candidate will have deep, broad market awareness and pre-established supplier networks with an extensive track record of commercial negotiation & supplier management.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND DELIVERABLES WILL INCLUDE:

Day-to-day:

• Oversight & coordination of the full lifecycle of tendering & contracting processes, including management of tender documents, bid evaluation, contract negotiations, and finalizing awards.
• Ensuring effective administration of end-to-end contract processes through handling contract reviews & variations, compliance monitoring, and timely renewals.
• Providing expert advice and support to internal stakeholders on category-related matters, aligning their needs, and assisting line departments with contractual issues.

Strategic thinking:

• Define & implement medium & long-term category plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Develop and execute strategies to achieve cost savings, improve quality, and ensure supply continuity.

Data analysis:

• Analyze spend & demand data to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive efficiencies.
• Monitor market trends, risks, & opportunities.
• Assess risks within the supply chain, including disruptions and price volatility.
• Track Key Performance Indicators for the category to drive ongoing performance improvement.

Suppliers & supply chain:

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to ensure a competitive and reliable supplier base.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers for optimal value.
• Identify & mitigate supply chain risks, including disruptions and volatility.

IDEAL CANDIDATE, EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

The ideal candidate will:

• Be detail-focused and a strategic thinker, capable of solving complex problems linking short-term actions with long-term success.
• Possess outstanding interpersonal skills to influence and build stakeholder relationships.
• Be an accomplished negotiator, achieving advantageous positions with suppliers.
• Have comprehensive commercial acumen, understanding procurement as part of overall business success.
• Be innovative and willing to take calculated risks.
• Be highly analytical, proficient in data, and capable of collating information from various sources to identify improvements.
• Be an effective communicator, able to simplify complex ideas.
• Demonstrate authenticity, integrity, and commitment.

Essential experience & education:

• At least seven years of procurement experience with a ship owner or ship manager, including five in category management.
• Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, supply chain, logistics, or related field.
• Proficiency in English (speaking/writing).
• Advanced skills in Excel & PowerPoint.
• MSc in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or membership in professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Purchasing and Supply Chain

Industries

• Maritime Transportation