Category Manager

Founded in 1913 in Italy, the Prada Group was built on a tradition of excellence and with a vision of innovation. Our Iconic Brands include PRADA, Miu Miu, Church’s, Car Shoe and Pasticceria Marchesi and we are currently operating in more than 45 Countries, embracing employees of more than 100 nationalities.

Joining our Company means working in a creative and international environment, with teams of people motivated by curiosity and the quest for excellence. The engine of our success is the importance and value that we place on the talent and passion of our people leading to their own professional growth.

JOB PURPOSE        

The role of Category Manager will report directly to the Head of Indirect Procurement and will coordinate the procurement process for covered expense categories.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for managing the relevant procurement requests and issuing the respective orders to vendors
• Periodic analysis and monitoring of expenditure KPIs for covered categories
• Handles relations and negotiations with strategic vendors in agreement with the Head of Indirect Procurement
• Supervises the scouting and selection of new potential vendors in agreement with the Vendor Manager, Cost Governance and Procurement Excellence
• Manages negotiation activities (tender specifications, technical and economic evaluation of bids and vendors, etc.)
• Draws up contracts with vendors in agreement with the Head of Indirect Procurement and in cooperation with the Legal Department
• Supports the Vendor Manager, Cost Governance and Procurement Excellence in procurement planning and initiatives aimed at continuous improvement of procurement processes

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Degree in Economics, Finance, Engineering or Management

+7 years of experience in Procurement preferably in the fashion industry, in management consulting, operations, logistics or business management.

Excellent knowledge of the supply market for the relevant categories

Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills

Expert in procurement and negotiation techniques

Legal notions for the conclusion of contracts 

Very good strategic planning and operational skills

Ability of problem solving with creative and innovative ideas

Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, reporting processes and accounting standards

Expert in IT tools and systems (ERP, eProcurement platforms, MS Office, etc.)

Proactivity, curiosity and focus on identifying new business proposals in a timely fashion