Category Manager – Procurement (Professional Services)
A really exciting opportunity to be a part of a growing Jellycat team!
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:
Owning and driving the global Professional Services category strategy, partnering closely with senior stakeholders across Finance, Legal, HR, IT, eCommerce and the wider business to align procurement activity with business priorities.
Leading complex, high-value procurement programmes end-to-end, shaping and executing robust sourcing strategies to secure best-in-class suppliers.
Acting as a trusted commercial partner to the business, leading sophisticated, data-driven negotiations to secure optimal commercial outcomes while balancing quality, risk, and long-term value.
Identifying opportunities to evolve and strengthen the supply base, bringing innovation, scalability, and capability to support Jellycat’s continued global expansion.
Influencing and collaborating cross-functionally to drive consistent, best-in-class procurement practices and governance across the organisation.
Driving continuous improvement across the category, embedding efficiencies, enhancing supplier performance, and elevating overall procurement maturity.
Proactively identifying and mitigating commercial and supply chain risks to ensure resilience and continuity.
Building and managing strategic supplier relationships, holding partners to high standards of performance, innovation, and delivery.
Supporting broader procurement initiatives and projects (including Logistics where required), contributing to wider team priorities.
You’ll bring:
Significant experience managing Professional Services categories within a complex, fast-paced environment, with a strong grasp of strategic procurement principles and best practice.
A track record of leading complex sourcing initiatives and delivering measurable commercial value.
Advanced negotiation skills, with the ability to navigate nuanced, high-value supplier discussions confidently and credibly.
Strong supplier management capability, with experience developing strategic partnerships and driving accountability through performance frameworks.
Proven ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders, acting as a credible and trusted advisor across the business.
A continuous improvement mindset, with experience driving tangible efficiencies and enhancements across a supply base.
A solid understanding of risk management, governance, and compliance within procurement.
Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with the ability to translate data into insight and action.
Excellent communication skills, comfortable operating at all levels of the organisation.
A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, evolving environment.
A highly commercial, entrepreneurial mindset, with a focus on delivering long-term value.
- 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).