Procurement Category Manager

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Why we're hiring:

This is an exciting opportunity to join WPP during a period of global transformation. As part of our Technology & Telecommunications Procurement team, this role plays a key part in supporting strategic initiatives that are shaping the future of our business. This is a replacement role within a collaborative, forward-thinking team. This role is based on a hybrid working model, with three days a week spent collaborating in person with our team and stakeholders at our office.

What you'll be doing:

This role focuses on delivering business and commercial value within the Technology and Telco spend category (with a particular focus on IT). You will engage with stakeholders across the business, run RFPs for complex goods and services, and negotiate statements of work and master agreements.

This position offers excellent exposure to working with some of the world’s largest IT vendors, service integrators, and telecommunications companies, alongside global projects with senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Strategy: Develop and execute global plans for sub-categories within the IT and Telco space, driving cost savings, continuous improvement, and innovation.
• Market Insight: Maintain a deep understanding of IT supply markets to provide insights on best practices, market challenges, and the best-fit vendors for WPP’s needs.
• Sourcing Leadership: Lead sourcing initiatives (e.g. RFPs), shape demand management, and deliver robust commercial guidance to influence senior decision-making.
• Relationship Management: Develop and deliver successful supplier relationship management plans and preferred supplier policies.
• Collaboration: Work as a cohesive part of the wider WPP Procurement team and lead/participate in matrixed project environments.

Who you'll be working with:

You will report to the Category Director of IT Services, Infrastructure and Telco. Working with the Enterprise Technology (ET) Leadership team, ET CFO and Finance Business Partners and some the largest suppliers in the Technology and Telco sector.

What you'll need:

• IT Procurement Expertise: Proven experience in technology procurement, with strong technical skills and a track record of leading complex, high-value RFPs and category plans in a global environment.
• Negotiation & Contract Skills: Strong hands-on experience in contract and Statement of Work (SOW) drafting, with the ability to lead pragmatic, commercial negotiations.
• Stakeholder & Vendor Management: Experience managing complex IT supplier relationships (including large technology organisations) and the ability to influence and advise senior business leaders.
• Project & Team Leadership: Strong project management skills with the ability to multi-task, work within matrixed teams, and collaborate effectively with offshore teams.

Who you are:

You're open_:_ We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic_:_ We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

#LI-Hybrid 

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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