GlobaL ICT Category Head
What will you do?
- Develop and lead the overall global category plan to support Procurement and Business objectives, ensuring successful implementation by translating them into achievable and actionable plans. Champion Procurement objectives and best practice in all internal interactions.
- Develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to build the Supply base and ensure the ongoing, effective procurement of goods and services in line with operational demand
- Identify, forecast, quantify and prioritize sourcing levers relevant to the category focusing on continuous cost, value, and risk improvement projects, TCO, ROI, and ESG (data analytics)
- Take part in the budgeting process, optimise external category related spend, delivering budgeted targets (including savings, cash flow, cost management) to deliver the businesses’ plans.
- Continually monitor and review the category plans to ensure that they continue to take account of shifts in market dynamics and reflect current best practice.
- Accountable for internal KPIs related to category and support direct the category team in delivering results.
- Align with the Global Head of Procurement Excellence to ensure the implementation of the category strategy can happen in the most efficient way
- Liaising with stakeholders to identify opportunities to reduce the total cost of ownership of products and services.
- Developing and project-managing the execution of category strategies.
- Providing strategic input into category management frameworks and approaches.
- Conduct deep market analysis, supplier analysis and benchmarks to improve market understanding
- Define target supplier panel strategy: scout new potential suppliers, evaluate and select suppliers (incl. supplier performance plans when necessary),
- Source, select and manage an efficient supply base through regular business reviews ensuring that suppliers have the capability and capacity to meet current and future business needs.
- Manage SRM action plan to include vendor visits, monthly vendor performance reports, review meetings, auditing and adherence to internal processes
- Lead and implement effective supplier relationship management through the setting and monitoring of relevant performance KPI’s, Service Level Agreements and the implementation of an effective supplier review process.
- Identify opportunities to capture supplier innovation.
- Assess and manage risks associated with the category, such as supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and regulatory compliance. Develop risk mitigation strategies, establish contingency plans, and monitor market conditions to proactively address potential risks and ensure continuity of supply.
- Establish and design key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure performance for the broader category, including, amongst others cost savings, quality, and other relevant factors
- Track the performance of suppliers and the global category as a whole
- Use this data to identify areas for improvement, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the category
- Lead and support team in embedding any changes to performance management into Supplier contracts. Accountable for Supplier Performance data completeness and reporting.
- Collaborate with various internal stakeholders, such as BU Leads, Finance, Operations, and Legal teams, to ensure alignment with organisational goals and objectives.
- Work closely with these teams to understand their requirements, address their concerns, and incorporate their input into category strategies and sourcing decisions
- Lead negotiations of complex or high-risk contracts, ensuring Business requirements are met and appropriate risk management strategies put in place.
- Provide regular feedback and evaluate the performance of the direct reports
- Manage a team of Category Managers, Associates and Buyers that support relevant purchasing activities for the group, compliantly with Procurement policies and processes, including public Procurement where applicable.
Who are you?
- Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field or equivalent in related discipline
- Professional accreditation related to the function is favorable
- Minimum of 12 years of experience in procurement category management, supply chain, or a related role in a large enterprise working in a matrix structure
- Deep category-related market knowledge, ideally in N.A. and EU
- Thorough knowledge English and good language skills in French and Dutch, given the global breadth of the role
- Strategic Procurement Leadership: Ability to define and implement global sourcing strategies and deliver breakthrough value.
- Supplier Market Expertise: Deep knowledge of supplier markets and relationship management.
- Cost Analysis & Optimization: Strong financial acumen and TCO mindset.
- Negotiation & Contract Management: Proven experience negotiating multi-million-dollar contracts internationally.
- Risk Management & Compliance: Skilled in mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring public sourcing compliance.
- Project & Category Management: Expertise in category strategy, planning, and continuous process improvement.
- Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing: Commitment to ESG principles and social responsibility.
- Data Analytics & Decision Support: Advanced analytical skills to drive insights and performance monitoring.
- Leadership & Influence: Ability to operate at senior levels and influence stakeholders in a multinational environment.
- International Experience: Comfortable with global travel (up to 30%) and cross-cultural leadership.
What do we offer?
Like a long-awaited parcel, we want to make you feel welcome and valued. Our offer includes a competitive monthly salary, that goes without saying. On top of that, you can count on:
- Meal vouchers of €8 per working day
- Hospitalization-, group- and disability insurances
- A phone subscription, including 25GB data
- A flexible renumeration plan, which allows you to customize your own benefits. A company car, bike leasing, public transportation, extra days off,... the choice is yours
- Possibility to enter the Federal Mobility plan
- Work/life balance, thanks to flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home
- 20 days of statutory leave and 7 additional extralegal days off
- An end-of-year and performance-based bonus and double holiday pay
- Many benefits from more than 100 bpost-partners
