Global Category Manager, Customer Operations

**Company**:
At the Vodafone Procurement Company (VPC), we are more than just a procurement organization; we're a global powerhouse and a center of excellence, driving innovation and delivering world-class services across Vodafone and its markets. Based in the vibrant hub of Luxembourg, VPC is at the heart of Vodafone’s €25bn global spending, influencing decisions that shape the future of procurement. Since our inception in 2008, we've not only transformed Vodafone’s procurement strategy but have also set new standards in the industry. We’re proud to partner with both internal and external clients, leveraging cutting-edge digital practices and global expertise to deliver strategic procurement solutions that are future-proof.

At VPC, you’re not just taking a job; you’re joining a movement. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team where your ideas and expertise will make a real difference. With us, you’ll have the opportunity to influence global procurement strategies, work on high-impact projects, and be recognized for your contributions in a dynamic, innovative environment.

**What you’ll do**:
Are you ready to shape the future of Vodafone's global procurement strategy? As a Category Manager for Customer Operations with Vodafone Procurement & Connectivity company, you’ll be at the forefront of managing a key category with an annual spend of ~€1 billion. In this dynamic role, you'll spearhead the execution of high-impact global projects, driving innovation and efficiency across our Customer Operations category. Working within an established, central procurement team, you'll report directly to the Principal Category Manager for Customer Operations. You’ll be a key player in our agile project team, collaborating closely with senior stakeholders and local Customer Operations and Supply Chain Management teams. This role offers the unique opportunity to lead the management of complex contracts and commercial models, requiring top-notch project management skills.

If you have a proven track record of successfully managing complex global categories, RFPs, and contracts, and you're eager to make a tangible impact on a global scale, this is the role for you. Join us and be part of a cross-functional team that’s driving the future of procurement at Vodafone.

Your responsibilities:

- Drive and execute global sourcing strategies to achieve key outcomes.
- Manage sourcing activities and contracts up to €1 billion.
- Oversee ongoing contract management, ensuring compliance and addressing issues like service credits, disputes, and performance reviews.
- Build strong partnerships with local COPS and SCM teams, emphasizing cross-functional teamwork.
- Develop long-term relationships with COPS agencies, driving value, quality, and innovation.
- Stay ahead of industry trends and continuously implement best practices to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
- Innovate and refine category-specific contracts and commercial models in collaboration with Legal, SCM, and COPS teams.
- Drive technological and process improvements for effective category management.
- Manage complex sourcing projects, including pricing, commercial, and legal negotiations.
- Help achieve key financial targets, including centralized spending, savings, and working capital improvements.
- Maintain accurate global COPS spending, vendor, and contract data, providing strategic insights through in-depth analytics to strengthen Vodafone’s market position.

**Who you are**:

- ** Procurement Experience**: Minimum 5-7 years of experience in outsourcing Customer Operations, or in global complex category management. Experience working in cross-functional, regional, or global teams.
- ** Global Sourcing Expertise**: Demonstrated success in leading and contributing to large, complex global sourcing projects.
- ** Numerical and Analytical Proficiency**: Strong with numbers and financial reporting, including advanced modeling skills.Capable of synthesizing and presenting key insights to senior stakeholders.
- ** Communication and Stakeholder Management**:Exceptional communication skills with a talent for stakeholder management and relationship building.Effective in influencing and persuading virtual teams.
- ** Negotiation and Decision-Making**:Strong negotiation abilities with a drive to make decisions and close deals.
- ** Project Management and Delivery**: Skilled in managing multiple projects across various functions and geographies, ensuring delivery rigor and challenging where necessary.
- ** Flexibility and Teamwork**:A flexible, intelligent team player capable of engaging stakeholders at all levels to drive change.
- ** Innovative Thinking**: Ability to think creatively and bring continuous innovation to the role, including developing new commercial models, improving contractual terms, and enhancing reporting.
- ** Educational Background or Experience**:A university degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred, esp