Global Procurement Category Manager

Merlin Entertainments Group; Chertsey; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading global attraction company as a Global Procurement Category Manager. This role involves optimizing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and delivering cost savings across diverse categories. You'll work in a dynamic environment, collaborating with various teams to drive innovation and efficiency.

Benefits

Pension

Life Assurance

Discretionary company bonus

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Merlin Magic Pass for free admission to attractions

Enjoy the Ride pass for unlimited regional attractions entry

25% discount in retail shops and restaurants

40% discount on LEGO

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, focusing on global sourcing and category management.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings through strategic procurement.
• Strong analytical abilities and proficiency in data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global procurement strategies to optimise costs and quality.
• Build and manage supplier relationships, negotiating favourable terms.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while ensuring supply continuity.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract Management

Supplier Relationship Management

Data Analysis

Market Research

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

e-sourcing platforms

spend analytics software

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

A job with Merlin isn’t like a job anywhere else. With attractions around the world, from rollercoasters to wax figures, we don’t trade in suits, handshakes or briefcases. We trade in fun. In smiles, shrieks and spine-tingles. In memories. In magic. But there are no tricks behind our magic. Instead, there are people like you. Passionate, dedicated people who are committed to making sure our worldwide attractions and guests’ experiences are the best they can be.

Due to continuing growth and development of Merlin’s attractions and brands on a global scale, we are looking for aGlobal Procurement Category Managerto join our Group Procurement team on a permanent basis. The role will be based at our Merlin Technical Hub office based in our thrilling Thorpe Park Resort in Chertsey, Surrey. Hybrid-working is available for those looking for more flexibility.

We are looking for an experienced Global Procurement Category Manager to develop and implement global procurement strategies that optimise costs, ensure quality, and drive innovation across diverse categories. This role is essential in managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and mitigating risks while aligning with overall business objectives.

You will possess expertise in supply chain management, market analysis, and cost optimisation to enhance procurement efficiency and deliver long-term value to the organisation. You will also;

Align procurement strategies with business goals and market trends Build global supplier relationships and negotiate favourable terms Lead procurement processes from supplier selection to contract negotiation Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality️ Mitigate supplier and market risks; ensure supply continuity Promote diversity and ensure compliance with policies Align strategies with internal teams (Operations, Finance, Legal, Marketing) Monitor trends and provide insights for procurement decisions Implement best practices to enhance procurement efficiency

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Considerable experience in procurement, with a focus on global sourcing and category management.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and value through strategic procurement initiatives.
• Familiarity with procurement technologies and tools (e.g., e-sourcing platforms, spend analytics software).
• Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPSM, or CIPS are a plus.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Excellent analytical abilities with proficiency in data analysis and market research.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, global environment with cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

Benefits

We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you’re already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, an Enjoy the Ride pass which entitles you and 5 loved ones unlimited entry into your regional attractions, 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO, plus lots more!

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

Competitive