Supply Chain Category Specialist reference: 147767BR

This review provides an in-depth look at the Supply Chain Category Specialist opportunity, designed to help prospective candidates make informed career decisions.

Opportunity Overview: Supply Chain Category Specialist

Primark is seeking a dynamic and strategic Supply Chain Category Specialist to play a pivotal role in shaping and executing procurement strategies. This position offers a significant opportunity to influence spend across various categories, contributing directly to the company's overarching cost efficiency and value creation initiatives. If you are a seasoned procurement professional with a passion for strategic sourcing, stakeholder management, and driving impactful change, this role could be a significant step forward in your career.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: You will be empowered to lead and develop comprehensive, multi-year category plans, aligning them with business goals and market dynamics. This is a chance to move beyond day-to-day operations and contribute to the strategic direction of procurement.
• Value Creation: The role emphasizes identifying and leading initiatives for long-term cost efficiency and value creation. This means your contributions will be directly measurable and impactful for Primark.
• Stakeholder Engagement: You'll have the opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders, building strong relationships and ensuring alignment on critical objectives. This is excellent for developing your influencing and communication skills.
• Global Collaboration: Experience working with and managing Global Business Services (GBS) offshore partners will be a key part of this role, providing exposure to international team dynamics and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Continuous Improvement: Nurturing supplier relationships to drive innovation, sustainability, and value beyond price is a core expectation. This fosters a forward-thinking approach to procurement.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Primark offers a strong lifestyle package including healthcare, pension, potential bonus, ample leave (with the option to purchase more), Tax Saver Tickets, fitness centre access, and a subsidised cafeteria.
• Supportive Environment: The emphasis on "people are at the heart of what we do" suggests a collaborative and supportive team environment where individual potential can be reached.

Key Considerations for Career Path:

• Experience Requirements: Candidates are expected to have 5+ years of related experience in a Procurement role, with a strong emphasis on category management. This role is well-suited for individuals looking to deepen their expertise in strategic sourcing and category leadership.
• Fast-Paced Environment: The role explicitly mentions experience within fast-paced and matrixed organizations. Candidates should be adaptable, resilient, and comfortable with a dynamic work environment.
• Negotiation Skills: A highly developed negotiation skill set is crucial, as you will be leading negotiations for high-value, complex contracts. This is a prime opportunity to hone and showcase advanced commercial acumen.
• Analytical Acumen: The ability to use insights and analytics to create cost savings plans and sourcing strategies is vital. Candidates who excel in data-driven decision-making will thrive here.
• Risk Management: Analyzing, evaluating, and recommending on risk at a strategic level is a key responsibility. This role will develop your strategic risk assessment capabilities.
• Travel: Be prepared for potential travel requirements of up to 15%.
• Ethical Sourcing Focus: Knowledge of sustainability/CSR and ethical sourcing is a valuable asset, aligning with modern procurement best practices.

This Supply Chain Category Specialist role at Primark presents a compelling opportunity for professionals seeking to make a substantial impact within a growing global business. It offers a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on execution, and significant career development potential, all within a company that prioritizes its people and fosters a dynamic culture.