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Category Specialist - Flavours, Neutral Spirit & Rum


Context


The prime accountability for the role is developing the strategic sourcing, supplier development, and performance tracking of the Global Flavours category as well as supporting the Global Category Lead in managing these areas for the Global Neutral Spirit and Rum categories. The outcome is to increase competitive pressure and drive maximum financial value/delivery and service improvement for Diageo. Relationships with key stakeholders including the centre of excellence and in-market Procurement Category Managers, Suppliers, as well as Diageo Finance and Legal are key and will be fundamental to success.

This role will apply the core methodology of Category Management through the LOOP and utilisation of e-tools (including e-auctions) to deliver the annual financial and non financial targets set by the Global Category Manager and agreed with the Finance team for the Flavours category, whilst supporting the Global Category Manager with in depth market analysis and management of benchmark pricing for Neutral Spirit and Rum.



Role


The management of Flavours spend covers primarily Europe, North America (NAM) with smaller spend levels in Africa, LatAm and Asia. Global suppliers are both European and NAM based and are well known within the CPG industry.
The purpose of this role is to drive the value through managing and supporting sourcing, supplier development and performance tracking of Flavours, Neutral Spirit and Rum as identified for markets across the globe.
You will be required to:
· Support the delivery of annual financial and non financial targets set by the Global Category Lead and agreed with the Delivery Excellence Management Team whilst ensuring the highest standard of ethics and compliance.
· Manage and support the sourcing, supplier relationship management, and performance tracking of category requirements to meet Diageo business needs as agreed with key stakeholders.
· Support the development of category strategy and lead category team(s) in the implementation, which may involve members from the Delivery Excellence Teams.
· Build credible, sustainable relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
· Maintain governance processes.



Qualifications and experience required


Procurement qualification desirable (CPSM, CPIM, CIPS, MBA).
Strong procurement experience managing Global Categories

Excellent Functional Capabilities:
Extensive understanding of the category management process with experience of deployment in at least two categories
Demonstrated experience in complex sourcing and successful negotiation
Knowledge and experience in utilization of e-tools (including e-auctions)
Generates exceptional industry insights and bring these to reality for Diageo
Proven ability to build effective Supplier relationships and to develop Procurement profile in an international business
Strong analytical, inter-personal skills, communication skills, negotiation skills and project management experience

Excellent Leadership Capabilities:
Excellent influencing skills and personal impact to gain credibility quickly with senior and varied stakeholders
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with stakeholders across the global business
Strong commercial acumen, understanding of the business, and judgment
Proven strategic capability and ability to operate strategy in a pragmatic way
Objectively challenges established practice to stimulate alternative thinking
Good facilitation capability
Experience of leading/participating in cross functional change projects


Category Specialist - Flavours, Neutral Spirit & Rum