Careers · Procurement
Lead - Category Head
About the role
The ZOPA team supports clients in fulfilling their procurement needs. He or she is a Category Specialist or Lead, able to build the whole procurement process for a specific category. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in sourcing and managing the acquisition of products and services across key categories, ensuring alignment with business objectives, driving cost efficiencies and fostering strong vendor relationships. The role requires a strategic thinker who can navigate the complexities of procurement, including vendor negotiations, contract management and market analysis.
Job responsibilities
Category strategy development
Lead the development and execution of strategic sourcing plans for the category. Align these plans with the company’s broader business goals to drive efficiency, performance and innovation.
Vendor management
Build and nurture relationships with key vendors, including manufacturers, distributors and service providers. Lead supplier negotiations to achieve optimal pricing, delivery timelines and service levels, while mitigating risks.
Cost optimisation and budget management
Identify cost-saving opportunities within the category. Control spending and track budgets for category-related projects to ensure fiscal responsibility and cost-effective purchasing.
Cross-functional collaboration
Partner with stakeholders such as project managers, finance and business teams to understand evolving needs and future technology requirements, and ensure timely delivery.
Market research and trends analysis
Stay updated on the latest trends in the category. Evaluate emerging technologies and propose strategic sourcing approaches that align with business requirements and technological advancements.
Risk management
Identify and mitigate risks associated with vendor performance, contract terms, cybersecurity threats and hardware or software compatibility. Develop risk mitigation strategies for each category.
Performance reporting
Provide detailed reports on category spend, supplier performance, compliance and utilisation. Track KPIs and deliver regular insights to senior management on procurement progress and challenges.
Minimum requirements
- University degree.
- 6 to 10 years of experience in procurement functions, with a minimum of 4 years in category development or management.
- Previous experience in category development in a B2B marketplace environment.
- Intermediate or advanced level in MS tools such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Strong communication skills.
- Language proficiency: English and multiple regional languages.
Desired requirements
- Expertise in more than one category.
- MBA or certification such as PMI.
Questions answered
What do candidates ask about this role?
01What does the Lead - Category Head do at ZOPA?
The role builds the procurement process for a specific category: developing and executing the sourcing strategy, managing vendors and negotiations, optimising cost and budget, working with stakeholders, tracking market trends, managing risk and reporting on category spend and supplier performance.
02What experience does the Lead - Category Head role need?
A university degree and 6 to 10 years of experience in procurement functions, including a minimum of 4 years in category development or management, plus previous category development experience in a B2B marketplace environment.
03Which skills and languages are required?
Intermediate or advanced MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint, strong communication skills and proficiency in English and multiple regional languages.
04How do I apply for the Lead - Category Head role?
Use the application form on this page or email careers@zopapro.com with the role name in the subject line.
Apply
Apply for Lead - Category Head
- Emailcareers@zopapro.com
- Other rolesBuyer - Executive