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Global Category Manager - Cambridge

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 Cambridge

Probably best known for its beautiful university - which is more than 800 years old - Cambridge is a town in East Anglia. Situated on the River Cam, approximately 50 miles north of London, it offers a variety of options for those seeking Global Category Manager opportunities, particularly in the software and bioscience sectors.

The history of Cambridge is a long one and evidence suggests that people have been living in the region for over 3,500 years.

Throughout the Roman and Medieval periods, it was a small but prosperous market town with a busy trade route along the river. In 1284, Pembroke College was founded, the first part of what would later become the world-famous university.

During the 19th century, the city expanded due to a combination of improvements in agricultural production, as well as the railway's arrival in 1845, which encouraged the growth of heavy industry.

Much of the modern economy of Cambridge is linked to the university, and a number of science parks are situated on the outskirts of the city, many with close ties to the institution.

Cambridge Science Park, for example, is owned by Trinity College and is the oldest of its kind in Europe. It is home more than 100 companies in sectors including bio-medical, telecoms, computing, energy, environmental and industrial technology.

Just some of the top companies with offices or other facilities in Cambridge include Microsoft, Sinclair, Marshall Aerospace and Autonomy Corporation.

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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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