Category Manager – Procurement (Professional Services)

Category Manager – Procurement (Professional Services) A really exciting opportunity to be a part of a growing Jellycat team! Apply NOW For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakeable about each one of them. We are an entrepreneurial business that is scaling quickly while maintaining our agility. Ensuring we have the right suppliers in the and commercial terms in the Professional Services space to enable this journey is where this role plays a key role. You'll be; Leading Procurement Category Management of the global Professional Services category, working closely with internal teams across Finance, Human Resources, Legal, and the wider business including eComm and IT. Also supporting Logistics projects where needed. Responsible for tender management, leading the development and execution of robust tenders to ensure the selection of the best suppliers for Jellycat’s Professional Services needs. Engaging in fact-based contract negotiations to secure favourable terms and conditions, ensuring quality is prioritised and long-term relationships can flourish. Identifying and evaluating new suppliers to enhance Jellycat’s Professional Services capability and support global expansion. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including Finance, Legal, and Human Resources, to support the smooth running of the business. Driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. Identifying and mitigating risks within the supply chain to ensure business continuity and resilience. Managing and maintaining strong supplier relationships, ensuring they meet Jellycat’s high standards for quality, reliability and performance. You'll have; Category management within the Professional Services space, with a strong understanding of procurement processes and best practices. Tender Management: Expertise in leading and executing robust tenders to select the best suppliers for our needs. Contract Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills with the ability to engage in fact-based negotiations to secure favourable terms and conditions with suppliers. Supplier Management: Ability to identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to ensure they meet Jellycat’s high standards for quality, reliability, and performance. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working with cross-functional teams Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply base to enhance quality, efficiency and effectiveness. Risk Management: Knowledge of risk management practices to ensure business continuity and resilience. Performance Monitoring: Skills in monitoring and evaluating supplier performance, implementing corrective actions as necessary to maintain high standards. Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyse data and make informed decisions. Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the business. Problem-Solving: Solution oriented with a creative approach to problem-solving. Teamwork: The ability to work as part of a team, with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. A pragmatic, entrepreneurial and commercial mind. Department Finance Locations London Remote status Hybrid London Our Perks & Benefits Discretionary Bonus Scheme This role will be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual bonus scheme with awards based on both company and individual performance. Private Medical Insurance We offer a premium level of cover for all Head Office employees through Vitality including Optical and Dental cover. Group Life Cover We offer Life Insurance at 4 x basic salary 25 days paid holiday We value that you get more time with your family and friends. Therefore we offer everybody 25 days paid holiday. Hybrid working We value work-life balance highly, therefore we work a hybrid model which consists of coming into the office a minimum of three days a week. Employee Assistance Program Committed to the health and wellbeing of all our employees, we offer a comprehensive and confidential support program through Health Assured. Private Chef! Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday we have the pleasure of having our own Private Chef team who prepare us all a buffet style breakfast and lunch. This is subsidised by the company with a small employee contribution. Regular social & team events We have a very imaginative and active social committee who meet regularly to put on events that help us mark special occasions and celebrate our successes as a team. Contributory Pension Scheme We offer a salary sacrifice pension scheme through Scottish Widows with a company and employee contribution of 5% each (you can of course increase your contribution).