Category Manager: Business Services

Job Purpose The Category Manager will be responsible for managing category strategies within Business Services portfolio across África that are under the control of the Regional Procurement office. Job Scope and Context Responsible for sourcing strategy development; Collate all necessary category analytics; Analyse spend and user specific requirements; Conduct market research to assess market dynamics related to the category/ies; Support sourcing strategy execution; Ensure readiness across all countries for strategy execution; Escalate where necessary supplier performance issues; Support collaborative optimization activities where applicable; Handle second level escalations with suppliers/internal stakeholders to resolve performance issues; Collaborate with supplier and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of Category sourcing outputs / agreements; Ensure suppliers are correctly enabled through ERP; Ensure contractual terms & conditions are effectively "operationalised", identify and track benefits, while developing strategies for negotiation, risk and innovation together with stakeholders; Working closely with the business to maximize opportunities / deals; He/she is the resident expert for these services sharing and facilitating best practices, working closely with marketing, global, regional and local; Provide strategic purchasing of Business Services categories directly or with Buyers, maximising value for money and return on investment, aligning with business strategies;Management of suppliers and contracts including general Indirect procurement where required for head office as a Category. Category strategy development and implementation. (clearly defined cost models / structures and scope baselines, go to market strategy and contract management); Maintain database of contracts and approved suppliers; Classification of all components within the Category; Supplier identification, selection and Relationship Management Establish meetings and communication routines within Procurement Team (Bi- Weekly One on Ones, Bi-Weekly Team Meetings etc.) Establish meeting and communication routines with internal customers and stakeholders Development of annual sourcing calendar, presented to Procurement Director and Op's VP.Team Leadership Establish Development Plans for self and team to increase knowledge, expertise and performance within the Procurement Function - where required. Establish Goals / performance scorecards for self and team which ensure alignment to Functional objectives of cost & operational efficiency - where required. Leadership of Category to ensure individual, team and business objectives are achieved. Back-up for Procurement Director and Buyers -when on leaveReporting Maintenance of monthly reports for the Category (savings vs target, contracted spend, BBBEE performance, new eCatologues created, committed spend, supplier payment summary) Account for monthly variances and financial impact on budgets This includes, activity levels, project status, cost efficiencies etc. Maintain and report on Purchase Orders created within Category. Database updates and risks need to be communicated to Procurement Director, with mitigation plans. Drive innovation and continuous improvement Focus on continuous improvement of the way in which the category is being managed. Improvement in contract coverage and catalogues Propose new standards with regard to processes. Improved business efficiencies and speed to market. Knowledge sharing with team. Optimization of current Procurement processes.Focus on innovation and efficiency Proposed new tools and ideas with regard to Category. Develop and improve standard cost models to optimise cost efficiency. Reporting on performance of new tools and processes implemented. Source and develop innovative suppliers who can execute the required business scope using new technology or processes Conduct market research and engage with new / existing suppliers to create innovative solutions within the Category. Annual sourcing calendar management. Consultation of all internal stakeholders. Business scope to be covered for all sourcing activities.Negotiation with Suppliers. Development of negotiation strategy aligned and execute with internal stakeholders - Procurement to lead the process. Suppliers briefed in accordance with Technical and Commercial specifications. Innovative solutions developed and presented to internal stakeholders. Commercial negotiations with suppliers to ensure best fit for purpose items are contracted in line with Commercial scope and specifications.Evaluate, categorise and select preferred suppliers Conduct supplier vetting annually and as new suppliers are added. Compile a preferred supplier database per Category per region which is updated annually and published on My Portal. Put NDAs, SLAs and / or contracts in place for all suppliers. Supplier and contract Relationship Management, record keeping of all engagements. Documentation and Processing of Business Services related activities Supporting Documentation All Supporting documentation created and maintained within a shared folder. Contracts and supplier documents recorded and stored accordingly Build and maintain effective Relationships with all stakeholders Liaise with external suppliers Effective relationship management with various suppliers. Suppliers understand minimum quality standards and standardised specifications required. Suppliers understand technical specifications and expectations. Continually updated on new products entering the market - list updated and communicated to internal stakeholders. Communication of procurement policies and source to pay training of external suppliers.Liaise with stakeholders, and other functions where including other stakeholders. All stakeholders are aware of contract terms and conditions/ supplier rate cards / catalogues. Evidence of guidance provided, market updates for potential suppliers and products.Communication and interaction with all stakeholders Professional communication, behaviour and actions result in credibility, trust and respect with all work partners. Key Competencies and Experience Knowledge, Skills and Attributes: Functional and Technical Competencies: Category Management & Knowledge (4), Sourcing Strategy Risk Management (4), Supplier Relationship Management (4), Supplier Market Research & Trends (3), Operations Performance Optimisation (3), Operations Planning (1) , Production & Process Management (1), Logistics Optimisation (1), Procurement(4), Physical Asset Management (1), Business & Financial Acumen (3). Behavioural Competencies: Creativity & Innovation (3), Customer Service & Quality Orientation (4), Project & Change Management (2), Relationship Building & Communication (4), Entrepreneurship (2), Results Orientation (3), Ethical Decision Making (4). Leadership Competencies: Strategic Vision (2), Live the Values(4), People Development (2), Team Management (2), Leadership & Influence (2), Situational Adaptability (3), Cultural Awareness & Diversity(2). Qualifications and Experience: Relevant 3 year B Degree tertiary qualification (or similar) At least 5 years' experience in a Procurement environment with a proven history of managing suppliers. Partnership development across the business. Procurement and tender experience is essential, evidence of cost model development, strategy development and implementation. A proven track record of influencing key internal and external stakeholders Experience in managing sourcing activities. Experience in the FMCG industry will be an advantage. Job Posting End Date: Target Hire Date : 2026-03-01 Target End Date :Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits industry,