Regional Category Manager

The core focus of this role is to deliver strong commercial outcomes for Syngenta through close partnering and alignment with business stakeholders, local procurement, and the global Procurement Category teams. The primary focus for the role will be all aspects of HR & Professional Services category management. The regional HR & Professional Services spend is around $450 M USD. The role holder is responsible for identifying, developing and delivering on the regional category strategies through close collaboration with the business stakeholders, local and global category procurement, and supplier management teams. 

Accountabilities

• Leading the Regional Procurement of HR & Professional Services for Syngenta.
• Define needs and capabilities for the sub category by working closely with internal clients in HR & Professional Services, especially the Heads of Business, Supplier Management team (when existing) and the Procurement network.
• In conjunction with the HR & Professional Services Managers, develop and manage relationships with key suppliers.
• Developing and executing strategies to incorporate the most efficient use of the various buying channels, ensuring compliance with procurement processes, use of best practice approach regarding e-tendering, Supplier Relationship Management and contract management.
• Leading major HR & Professional Services negotiations and contracting at EAME level.
• Identifying and sharing best practices.
• Delivering market insight and knowledge to the sub category including market scanning and new supplier identification.
• Be an Ambassador of the Procurement organisation (internal and external).
• Ownership verification and agreement of actual financial performance of the Sub-Category, including agreement and verification of savings delivery, budget & forecast data.

• Degree.
• Commercial qualification preferred e.g. MBA, CIPS.
• Strong procurement experience, +5 years in HR & Professional Services category experience.
• High English level.
• Deep knowledge in developing category strategies and leading their implementation.
• Proven record of success in managing HR & Professional categories and sub-categories e.g. HR services, Business Process Outsourcing, Business Consultancy, Insurance, Tax, Audit, Financial Services.
• Good knowledge of best practice purchasing procedures and processes.
• Knowledge of the industry trends and best practice.
• Leadership of complex sourcing projects.
• Deep knowledge of the relevant supply markets and maintaining strategic relationships with suppliers.

Critical Skills

• Strong stakeholder management.
• Strategy development and implementation.
• Development of strategic relationships with suppliers.
• Contract negotiation skills (including agile and DevOps contracting).
• Ability to influence peers and indirectly managed teams and senior Stakeholders.
• Good communication and presentation competencies.
• Knowledge of Ariba is an advantage.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities:

• Ability to adapt to business changes and pace of technology advancement.
• Working in a multi-national, multi-cultural environment
• Project team leadership (geographically dispersed and cross-functional with proven results)
• Proven record of success in negotiations with suppliers

• Travel up to 15%
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity and offers numerous events throughout the year.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Possibility of being part of our #FutureOfWorkPolicy: 3 days at home, 2 at the office.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A role which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
• Learning culture and a wide range of development options, including access to learning platforms (Degreed, LinkedIn Learning, O’Reilly)

Equal Opportunity

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Syngenta Group is one of the world’s leading sustainable agriculture innovation companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. Our 53,000 people across more than 100 countries strive every day to transform agriculture through tailor-made solutions for the benefit of farmers, society and our planet –making us the world’s most local agricultural technology and innovation partner.

Syngenta Group is committed to operating at the highest standards of ethics and integrity. This is a commitment that we are making to investors, customers, society and employees. Syngenta Group is also committed to maintaining a workplace environment free from discrimination and harassment.