Global Category Manager - SR&D

at  British American Tobacco

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Design Category strategies, in line with the Global Procurement strategy, considering the business needs (global/regional/local), company risk and supply market capability to determine the optimum route to deliver maximum value from the category.
• Oversee and direct the execution of the strategies in line with commercial and cost-saving targets and governance requirements
• Safeguard BAT’s Intellectual Property interests in 3rd party development agreements
• Be closely involved in legal aspects of commercial arrangements and contract management as required including consulting with others regarding commercial viability of projects
• Track, review and report on the Category performance, plan implementation and KPIs; use this information to determine opportunities for further improvement to category strategy definition and target setting.
• Effectively manage the risk to BAT through robust category strategies and sourcing management and by ensuring adherence to corporate compliance, platforms and policy (for example adherence to CSR standards).
• Responsible for supply market management and value engineering defined through the category strategies and sourcing plans. Manage long-term ‘Value Management Relationships’ with the global suppliers. Define and initiate complexity reduction initiatives and standardisation programmes through involvement of all regions.
• Assist the Supplier Custodian and Contract Owner in the resolution of escalated supplier issues and ensure appropriate supplier management and performance metrics have been agreed.
• Lead, motivate and develop the sourcing team to facilitate continuous development of team members to meet current and future business needs.
• Ensure the strategy is constantly agile and effective to consider future business environment and able to drive innovation and cutting-edge solutions.
• Create a sustainable supplier relationship management structure governing the interaction between various functions and the suppliers to BAT with clear roles, goals and performance
• Lead the introduction of market best practices to BAT

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Procurement Professional with 5+ years’ experience, knowledge of the relevant category(ies) and their marketplace, key drivers and levers, supply base and balance of power
• Comprehensive knowledge of supply market, supplier capabilities and competitor activity and trends
• Category functional knowledge, experience, and expertise – exposure to US and UK environments will be highly beneficial
• Experience in managing complex, high risk projects and programmes to improve performance and deliver service.
• Experience in working at both end market and above market business environment

TECHNICAL / FUNCTIONAL / LEADERSHIP SKILLS REQUIRED

• High level of commercial awareness
• Proven influencing skills with senior stakeholders, including global leadership teams
• Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships working across geographic boundaries and functional teams
• Team management, coaching and leadership skills.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant area

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.
At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.
We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.
We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential

WHAT ARE THE KEY OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTATIONS FROM THIS ROLE?

The role is responsible for defining an agile and fit for purpose global Procurement category strategy aligned with business needs for the next 3 - 5yrs and the relevant sourcing principles and governance for the defined category, including but not limited to supply strategy, business continuity, optimised cost modelling, sustainability and supplier relationship management objectives.

WHAT IS THE DIRECT IMPACT OF THIS ROLE ON THE TEAM OR ORGANIZATION?

The role will drive the delivery of the global category supply and savings targets aligned with the business needs through the management of the sourcing teams, supplier relationships and key stakeholders within the category area