Responsibilities:
1. Develop the Category Sourcing Plan: Build the category sourcing plan based on a strong understanding of our clients, markets & products. Segment this into clearly defined projects, with key milestones, owners & value delivery.
2. Stakeholder relationships: Build & maintain a strong & positive network across our client base. Engage regularly with key stakeholders, ensuring we’re recognized as strategic partners, and have client engagement and buy-in to our sourcing programs.
3. Vendor Strategy: Identify & engage the most appropriate vendors in the market. Build strong vendor alliances that maximizes value creation for our clients. Proactively manage our vendor strategy, implementing Vendor Improvement programs, and steering volumes to our best partners, whilst reducing or exiting our worst.
4. Project Execution: Manage all Project execution in-line with company & client criteria, including CPA. Actively source outside the plan, to present new range & online extension opportunities to client Buying teams (‘Push’).
5. Commercial Terms: Ensure we secure the best possible commercial terms from our vendors, that deliver cost price advantage, and minimize Working Capital impact.
6. Category Performance: Take ownership of category KPI’s, including shipment Budgets & execution performance (OTIF, Quality performance).


Requirements:
- 10 years commercial experience, with 3 years spent in management roles.
- Worked in a multinational environment, with regular overseas contacts. Fluent spoken & written English.
- Excellent communicator, engaging & collaborative. Strong empathy skills.
- Self-motivated & resolute under pressure.
- Excellent planning & implementation skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Forward looking; proactive & imaginative. Anticipates.
- Commercial drive & passion for product.
- Strong negotiation skills, with robust understanding of product cost structures.