Store Design & Development Category Manager

We are pleased to present a comprehensive review of the Store Design & Development Category Manager opportunity at Primark. This role offers a significant chance for seasoned procurement professionals to make a substantial impact within a dynamic and rapidly growing global retailer. This review highlights the key advantages and considerations for candidates looking to advance their careers.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact and Ownership: This role offers direct accountability for developing and executing end-to-end procurement strategies across significant spend categories. You will be instrumental in driving value and supporting both day-to-day operations and strategic investment projects for Primark.
• Multi-Year Strategic Planning: The opportunity to craft and implement comprehensive, multi-year category plans aligned with overarching business goals, market trends, and internal demand is a significant career-development advantage. This allows for deep strategic thinking and long-term vision.
• End-to-End Procurement Lifecycle: You will lead all facets of the procurement lifecycle, from developing go-to-market and sourcing strategies, to leading complex negotiations, managing supplier risk, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Cost Efficiency and Innovation Focus: A core responsibility is leading cost efficiency programs and developing long-term savings plans. This role actively encourages leveraging insights and analytics to drive innovation and agility in sourcing strategies.
• Supplier Relationship Management: There is a strong emphasis on identifying, developing, and nurturing strategic supplier relationships. This includes performance management and fostering supplier innovation, crucial for long-term business success.
• Leadership and Change Management: You will be a key driver of change, embedding new procurement ways of working, policies, and governance. This includes leading cross-functional negotiation teams and fostering effective collaboration.
• Global Collaboration: The role involves working closely with GBS (Global Business Services) offshore partners, offering exposure to global operational models and the opportunity to integrate teams for seamless category management.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Primark clearly prioritizes its people, offering a strong benefits package that includes healthcare, pension, potential bonus, generous leave entitlement (with options to buy more), Tax Saver Tickets, fitness centre access, and a subsidized cafeteria. This demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and lifestyle support.
• Supportive and Inclusive Culture: Primark promotes a culture where people are valued, encouraged to be authentic, and supported to reach their potential. The company emphasizes its caring, dynamic, and collaborative values.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Extensive Experience Required: The role demands a minimum of 7+ years of related experience in a Category Manager position. This indicates a need for candidates with a proven track record and a deep understanding of procurement principles.
• Complex Sourcing and Negotiation Expertise: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage complex, multi-market, large-scale sourcing activities, including employing diverse sourcing approaches and leading high-value contract negotiations.
• Strategic and Commercial Acumen: A strong understanding of financial and legal contract negotiations is essential, alongside a keen awareness of ethical sourcing and corporate social responsibility.
• Stakeholder Management: The ability to forge and maintain close business relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all management levels is critical for success in this collaborative role.
• Travel Requirement: Be prepared for travel, as the role indicates a requirement of over 20%. This is important for managing supplier relationships and engaging with various business units.
• Adaptability to a Fast-Paced Environment: Primark is a large, dynamic, and growing business. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced retail environment and adapting to evolving business needs.
• Embrace Digital Tools: A proactive approach to adopting and promoting digital tools and analytics for insights and efficiency is expected, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision-making.

This Store Design & Development Category Manager position at Primark presents a compelling opportunity for experienced procurement professionals seeking to drive significant strategic initiatives within a supportive and forward-thinking organization. The role offers substantial scope for professional growth, impactful contributions, and a rewarding career journey.