Senior Category Manager

Location: London

Salary: Competitive

Global University Systems (GUS) is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter and more sustainable future for all.  Our institutions offer the broadest range of industry-relevant skills through inclusive, accessible and digital-first learning.  We offer a choice of career-enhancing certificates, degrees and post-graduate level qualifications, equipping our thriving multi-national community of students for lifelong success.  Our world-leading network and state-of-the-art institutions power the upskilling of our students worldwide.  

Summary of Role :

Group Procurement is a new function and is on an exciting journey to establish a central procurement team. You will have the opportunity to help shape Procurement’s future, whilst embedding category management methodologies to drive a step change in benefit delivery across the organisation. There will be functional alignment with the Centre of Excellence, and you will work closely with internationally based procurement teams (namely Canada, Germany, India) who are waiting to help us drive global leverage and make a big difference in efficiency and value delivery. It is a great time to be joining us as we embark on this exciting adventure.

Reporting to the Head of Global Procurement, the Senior Category Manager role is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies for specific categories on a global and UK local scale. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring cost-effective procurement of goods and services while maintaining quality and compliance standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Working with in-country procurement teams, the Head of Global Procurement and key business stakeholders, develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives, cost savings and delivers a step change in speed to value for the business.

• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.

• Ability to understand and adapt to nuances at both the global and localised level to ensure successful delivery.

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery performance.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable supply chains.

• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and audits.

• Lead contract negotiations with suppliers to achieve the best possible terms and conditions.

• Ensure all contracts comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.

• Monitor and manage contract renewals and amendments.

• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or service levels.

• Monitor market trends to anticipate price changes and adjust procurement strategies accordingly.

• Develop and manage the category project cost savings pipeline.

• Support, advise and work closely with the Centre of Excellence team to ensure category activity is being utilised effectively for tactical purchases.

• Identify potential supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies.

• Ensure compliance with ethical sourcing and sustainability standards.

• Monitor and manage supplier compliance with company policies and regulations.

• Work closely with internal stakeholders, such as IT, HR, Sales and Marketing, to understand business needs and align procurement strategies.

• Collaborate with in country procurement teams to ensure consistency and alignment of group procurement category strategies.

• Provide guidance and support to localised procurement teams as needed.

• Work with Centre of Excellence to ensure executed tasks are completed as required.

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) with key suppliers.

• Work with the Centre of Excellence to prepare and present regular reports on category performance, including savings, supplier performance, and risk management to the Head of Global Procurement.

• Work with the Head of Global Procurement to continuously improve procurement processes and practices.

Requirements for the Role

Experience

Essential

• 5+ years of relevant experience of working in procurement.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a large international group

• Global category experience

Qualifications/Education

Essential

• A degree or similar-level qualification in a relevant subject area

Desirable

• Working towards/obtained Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply MCIPS qualification.

• Experience of using e-Procurement platforms and or/Procurement software

• Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

• A track record of effective stakeholder management.

• A strong entrepreneurial mindset and a resilient, can-do attitude.

• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Ability to work in fast paced environment, successfully managing multiple scenarios concurrently.

• Commercial and financial acumen with deep understanding of financial and business priorities.

• Supplier relationship management, including negotiation, contract management and networking skills.

• Highly organised with proficient project management skills.

• The ability to take the initiative, prioritise and manage multiple concurrent workstreams.

• Has personal and professional integrity

• Working effectively in a cross-functional environment.

Desirable

• Experience of applying category management principles

GUS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.