Utilities Category Manager

Opportunity Review: Utilities Category Manager

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Category Manager to join a dynamic and rapidly growing global retailer. The Utilities Category Manager role offers a chance to make a significant impact by developing and executing strategic procurement initiatives that drive value and efficiency across key spend categories. If you're looking to advance your career in a supportive environment that values innovation and personal growth, this position warrants serious consideration.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: This role provides the autonomy and responsibility to develop and implement multi-year category strategies, directly influencing business-as-usual operations and supporting major strategic investments. You'll be instrumental in shaping how Primark manages its utilities spend.
• Holistic Approach to Category Management: Beyond cost savings, this position emphasizes continuous operational improvement, innovation, and sustainability. You'll have the opportunity to drive positive change and contribute to Primark's long-term vision, including its 2030 strategy.
• Supplier Relationship Development: A key aspect of this role involves identifying, developing, and managing strategic supplier relationships. This offers the chance to hone your skills in performance management and foster innovation through collaborative partnerships.
• Leadership and Development: You'll lead negotiations for high-value, complex contracts and be responsible for ensuring the effective execution of sourcing plans by your team. This is a leadership role that allows you to mentor and guide others.
• Robust Benefits Package: Primark offers a competitive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing and lifestyle. This includes healthcare, pension, bonus potential, generous annual leave, and lifestyle benefits such as tax saver tickets and a subsidized cafeteria.
• Inclusive and Supportive Culture: Primark emphasizes a culture where people are valued, encouraged to be authentic, and supported in reaching their potential. The company is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience Requirements: A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in a Category Manager role is required. While specific category expertise is preferred, it's not essential, suggesting a strong emphasis on transferable skills and strategic acumen.
• Complexity of Sourcing: The role involves managing complex sourcing activities, which can span multiple markets and involve various levels of supplier maturity. Candidates should be comfortable navigating these complexities and demonstrating diverse sourcing approaches.
• Strategic Planning and Execution: Success in this role hinges on the ability to develop and deliver multi-year strategies that ensure competitive commercial advantage. Strong project management and analytical skills are crucial for creating and implementing these plans effectively.
• Stakeholder Management: Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all management levels is paramount. Candidates will need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively and drive buy-in for their strategies.
• Travel: The role requires travel, estimated at over 20%. Candidates should be prepared for this aspect of the position.
• Change Leadership: This role involves implementing and embedding new ways of working within procurement. Candidates should be comfortable with change management and driving adoption of new processes and governance.

In summary, the Utilities Category Manager position at Primark presents a significant opportunity for seasoned procurement professionals to leverage their expertise in a high-impact role within a growing and people-focused organization. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for driving value, managing complex supplier relationships, and contributing to a company's broader success, this role aligns well with career aspirations focused on leadership and strategic procurement within the retail sector.