Global Senior Buyer Professional Services

Review: Strategic Category Manager, Professional Services at Reckitt

Reckitt, a global leader renowned for its beloved hygiene, health, and nutrition brands, presents an exceptional opportunity for a strategic procurement professional. Their purpose—to protect, heal, and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world—is the driving force behind their operations, and this role plays a crucial part in achieving that mission.

This position offers a significant advantage for ambitious candidates looking to make a tangible impact within a dynamic, global supply chain. If you are driven by innovation, strategic negotiation, and fostering enduring supplier partnerships, this role at Reckitt could be a pivotal step in your career development.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Global Impact and Autonomy: You'll operate with a high degree of autonomy within a truly global team, shaping category strategies and leading high-value negotiations that directly influence cost optimization, supplier performance, and business transformation across Reckitt's professional services spend.
• Strategic Category Leadership: This role goes beyond traditional procurement. You will be responsible for developing and implementing global sourcing strategies, identifying best-in-class external experts, and driving innovation and continuous improvement aligned with Reckitt’s strategic goals.
• Cross-Functional Influence: A significant aspect of this role involves partnering with and influencing senior leadership across critical functions such as HR, Finance, Legal, and IT&D. This offers a fantastic opportunity to hone your stakeholder management and communication skills at the highest levels.
• Supplier Relationship Excellence: You will nurture lasting relationships with key suppliers, ensuring Reckitt works with the best in the industry. This includes identifying, selecting, and managing strategic suppliers to guarantee quality, service, and mitigate risks.
• Commercial and Contractual Expertise: The role demands structuring complex contracts and commercial models, providing a platform to develop and showcase your deep understanding of professional services markets, outsourcing models, and risk frameworks.
• Career Development and Growth: Reckitt demonstrates a strong commitment to employee development, offering support throughout your career journey, robust wellbeing benefits, and opportunities for share ownership. Their "hire for potential" philosophy means that even if you don't meet every single requirement, your unique skills and passion are valued.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Extensive Experience Required: The ideal candidate will possess proven experience in professional services procurement and global outsourcing, coupled with strong commercial acumen and advanced contract negotiation skills. A minimum of 5 years of procurement experience, with a focus on professional services, and experience in a multinational environment are essential.
• Strategic Mindset and Analytical Skills: This role requires a strategic thinker who can analyze market trends, identify opportunities for competitive advantage, and translate complex business needs into actionable procurement strategies. Familiarity with procurement tools, spend analytics, and savings methodologies is highly beneficial.
• Collaboration and Communication: Success hinges on the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with senior stakeholders across diverse functions and geographies. Strong leadership and exceptional communication skills are paramount.
• Understanding of Professional Services: A deep understanding of professional services markets, various outsourcing models, and robust risk frameworks is critical for effective category strategy development and supplier management.
• Educational and Professional Background: While a degree in Business, Law, Finance, or Supply Chain is preferred, a CIPS qualification (Level 4 or above) or active pursuit of it will strengthen your application.

In summary, this Strategic Category Manager role at Reckitt is an exciting prospect for seasoned procurement professionals who are adept at navigating complex global markets, building strategic partnerships, and driving significant business value. If you are ready to take on a leadership role that directly contributes to a healthier and cleaner world, this opportunity warrants serious consideration.