Global Category Manager jobs
Category management in the procurement field is overseeing the acquisition of certain classes of goods or materials, often those that are somehow interconnected or interdependent. In larger companies and/or those where sourcing is international, an additional layer of management, the global category procurement manager, might be inserted.
Depending on how advanced the existing procurement is, the global category manager might be required to develop an entire global category procurement strategy or manage the one that is already in operation within a set of guidelines. Either way, the aim will be to reduce costs to the company, which will be achieved by negotiating deals and rates with supplier, forming partnerships and constantly analysing the market in which he or she is working.
A general aim will be to reduce or limit costs wherever possible, both within the employing company through systems, staffing and prudent economising and through the act of procurement itself. The global category manager will have to implement a worldwide plan of action throughout the company. This can mean seeking to impose consistency internationally to meet the results of forecasting, planning and analysis. But it can also involve the exact opposite: tailoring different procurement strategies to the different market environments to take advantage of local efficiencies.
The skills required
Management level experience would be a prerequisite a job of this level, and many employers will demand a bachelor’s degree, MBA or other recognised business qualification. A proven ability to communicate ideas and complicated instructions to the team will be required, and only people with an analytical mindset will we able to cope with such work.
Owing to the international nature of the job, language fluency would be extremely useful, as would a willingness to work abroad, often for long periods. A thorough understanding of the market in which the company seeks to procure materials and goods will probably be requested too, although this could be counterbalanced by excellence in procurement in another field.
An ability to fully understand the implications of contracts, and possibly the ability to draw them up from scratch, will also be an essential personal ability.
Global Category Manager Jobs in Manchester
As one of the UK’s largest cities, Manchester has long been an important location in Britain’s industrial and economic pursuits - and here at Cast UK, we can help you find Global Category Manager vacancies in this thriving metropolis.
By the 1500s, the city was known for its textile markets and wool trade. As canals were built over the next 200 years and cotton overtook wool as the material of choice, Manchester continued to grow in importance and population. During the 1800s with the birth of the Industrial Revolution, the city became a pivotal point in the British economy.
Today, it’s said that Manchester has been reborn, becoming a centre of culture and media. Indeed, with the BBC’s move to the north, it’s generally agreed that Manchester is the second city of the UK (although Birmingham may disagree). In addition to the BBC, Granada Television - an ITV franchise - is situated in the city and so is The Guardian newspaper’s head office.
Of course, there are plenty of other big employers operating out of Manchester as it is a major hub for finance, banking, insurance and logistics industries. Some of the big names in business operating out of Manchester are Thomas Cook, McVitie’s, Kellogg’s, Google and Stagecoach.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
Cast UK were founded by specialists in logistics, supply chain and procurement, and our consultants are also drawn from these backgrounds, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for when they come to us. In fact, employers often approach us to find managerial and executive candidates before they are advertised, so if you’re in procurement, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Whether you’re relocating for personal reasons or are simply looking for more job fulfilment, there could well be an employer who’s looking for the skills you have. At any given time, Cast UK have jobs all over the UK, so wherever you live, or plan to live, we are well placed to find work that suits your skills.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Global Category Manager for your business or find you a job as a Global Category Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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