Global Category Manager - Berkshire

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 Berkshire

A ceremonial and historic county in England, Berkshire is often called the Royal County of Berkshire, due to it being the location of Windsor Castle. It shares a border with Oxfordshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire and is counted among the Home Counties. It's also an excellent location for those seeking Global Category Manager vacancies.

Berkshire is one of the oldest counties in England, with a history going back to at least the middle of the eighth century.

Eton College was established in the 15th century and is one of the most renowned public schools in England. It has educated 19 prime ministers, as well as notable scientists, authors and members of the royal family.

In 1810, the Kennet and Avon canal opened, making it possible to travel by boat from Reading to the Bristol Channel. The building of the railways also helped to further establish Berkshire as an important part of the British economy.

During the Industrial Revolution, the region was known for its large iron works, as well as brewing.

Today, Berkshire is home to a number of big businesses in sectors including confectionary, communications, technology, energy and pharmaceuticals.

Just some of the companies that can be found in the region include Amazon.co.uk, Honda, Panasonic, Siemens, Sun Microsystems, Vodafone, Bayer, LG and Microsoft. There's also a Waitrose distribution centre and the headquarters of NTS Express Road Haulage.

What's more, Slough Trading Estate is one of the largest in Europe, boasting more than 400 companies including Mars, Fiat, Telefonica O2, Ferrari, Fullers Logistics and Black & Decker.

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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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