GlobaL ICT Category Head

GlobaL ICT Category Head

provinceProvince Brussels
locationMarkerIconRegion Brussels
briefcaseIconPermanent Contract
senorityIcon
positionIcon1 open position
provinceProvince BrusselslocationMarkerIconBrusselsbriefcaseIconPermanent ContractsenorityIcon5+ years of experiencepositionIcon1 open position

What will you do?

The Global ICT Category Head reports directly to the Group Chief Procurement Officer and is responsible for leading, developing, and executing the procurement plan for the assigned category (ICT). The role focuses on optimizing external spend and developing a competitive, reliable supply base that meets the company’s current and future requirements for assurance of supply, quality, service, innovation, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
Develop and envision a global category strategy
  • 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.
Define the market strategy and conduct Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) 
  • 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.
Conduct Risk Management
  • 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.
Strategize Performance Monitoring 
  • 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.
Enforce cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement (and ensure internal customer centricity)
  • 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
Accountable for the effective and compliant execution of purchasing and tendering activities for the relevant category 
  • Lead negotiations of complex or high-risk contracts, ensuring Business requirements are met and appropriate risk management strategies put in place.
Actively coach and motivate the direct reports to develop their core skills, aptitudes and to guarantee a well-functioning team. 
  • 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 
#bpost #bpostgroup

Waarom bpost?

This is how we make sure that you are happy to come to work with us every day:

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An interesting package

With a fair salary, of course. Topped off with interesting extra fringe benefits, such as meal vouchers, extra holidays and additional allowances.

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Work life balance

Your well-being is our priority, so your job should fit into your life: with a job close to home, or a flexible office job. 

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Job security and growth opportunities

With over 500 different jobs, we gladly offer you growth opportunities. This way, you are assured of your job, and your future.

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Equal opportunities for everyone

bpost is diverse, and we are proud of that. It is our strength together with our respect and trust for each other.

At bpost, we really have the ambition to help people grow. You can feel the human values, without losing touch with reality. I also notice this pragmatism, with a human touch, in my colleagues; each and every one of them is capable and exceptionally professional. Besides technical knowledge, mutual support is the key word across all departments.

Elodie

Product Owner

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Elodie