Category Manager

Working in a key role the Category Manager will be expected to drive the vision and strategy for strategic sourcing of print and associated products for the EMEA region, with input into global strategy. This position will be accountable for all relevant category sourcing activities, providing thought leadership around supply chain strategies, product innovation and market intelligence. The successful candidate will manage the dependencies between sourcing and relevant stakeholders ensuring effective handovers, supplier engagement and involvement of the appropriate parties as part of project implementations

Key Responsibilities

Establish potential savings benefits arising from procurement activity in relevant category spend
Work with account teams to ensure that savings targets are met or exceeded in nominated accounts
Manage team in taking relevant products and services to market (utilising all relevant procurement tools, eg e-auction etc) to negotiate contracts (price and service) with relevant vendors, before handing contracts to account teams for administration
Possess a strong, well-informed assessment of how relevant product/service lines can be utilised by clients to support achievement of client broad commercial objectives
Support the programme of relevant information dissemination for all products and services to account teams and associated clients to ensure that account teams and clients have a well-informed understanding of potential value of, in particular, emerging technologies
Understand relevant client accounts and work with account teams and clients to design, develop and deliver solutions in line with the company’s declared objectives of driving down process and product costs whilst enhancing effectiveness of communication piece
Drive the best practice vendor selection and procurement process across all account teams
Determine, with relevant Client Service Directors or Functional Heads, criteria for identifying value and profile of work
Deliver insight and creative solutions to Operations and Business development teams when crafting bid responses (and participate in client facing meetings as required)
Drive the Category Management response in developing and delivering proposals and presentations outlining value to target clients of procurement management strategy
Review and revise the strategic approach to the category and deliver best-in-class pricing for the company and their clients through leveraging your network of Board level industry contacts within the marketplace
Key Skills

Ability to shape/influence the supply base within the market and detailed understanding of life cycle management
The ability to negotiate at all levels
In-depth understanding of colour management
Conversant with supply chain analysis and dynamics for one or more relevant product or service categories
Demonstrate highly developed relationship management skills and develop excellent client relationships
Ability to constructively challenge clients regarding their requirements where appropriate and have the influencing skills to have an impact at senior levels