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 Sutton Coldfield
The town of Sutton Coldfield, in the north east of the Birmingham conurbation, has grown steadily over the centuries from a hamlet and manor house to what it is now, a largely residential town with a population of around 100,000 people. It’s a popular place to live for commuter into Birmingham, with a strong middle class element to it. To the east of the town’s built-up area (though technically part of the town) is Sutton Park, a beautiful area with ponds, lakes, ancient woodlands and wetlands, where many locals spend their free time.
During the industrial revolution Sutton Coldfield became a town well known for industry. Its most notable produce was armaments, mainly gun barrels and blades, but also of spades, knives and other tools. The industry in the area was relatively short-lived, however. The town remained wealthy, however, a fact not lost on the King, who imposed relatively high taxes on the town.
Today, retail and entertainment are important elements of Sutton Coldfield’s economy, and there’s a real upmarket feel to the place and many of its shops. It’s always worth looking for Global Category Manager vacancies in such places, and Sutton Coldfield is no exception. Large amounts of goods are brought into the town to service the large and economically active population, so good managers and executives are always valued.
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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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