Retail Operations & Store Development Category Specialist
The Retail Operations & Store Development Category Specialist will lead the activities across categories of spend with the accountability for developing and executing effective procurement strategies for the categories and actively contributing to the development of the procurement function’s service to Primark.
What You’ll Get
People are at the heart of what we do here, so it’s essential we provide you with the right environment to perform at your very best. We offer healthcare, pension, and potential bonus. 27 days of leave, plus bank holidays, and the option to buy an additional 5 days. Offer includes Tax Saver Tickets, fitness centre, and a subsidised cafeteria.
What You’ll Do as a Retail Operations & Store Development Category Specialist
* Lead and contribute to the development and execution of strategic category management, sourcing, supplier and risk management for assigned categories of goods and services across both business‑as‑usual and strategic investments/programmes, actively increasing spend under management and value for Primark.
* Lead and contribute to the development and execution of comprehensive, multi‑year category plans that deliver the category strategy and align with business goals, market dynamics, and internal demand, ensuring optimal performance, cost savings, and risk.
* Generate ideas, identify opportunities and lead initiatives that drive long‑term cost efficiency and value creation within the category, contributing towards the overarching multi‑year cost efficiency programme.
* Using insights and analytics, create cost savings plans and sourcing strategies that align with business goals and represent a culture of innovation and dynamic agility.
* Nurture effective category relationships with the GBS offshore partner, supporting the integration of our GBS partner offshore team into category ways of working with procurement and the business, within the assigned category.
* Engage and align with business stakeholders to ensure the GBS partner is equipped with the relevant information, data and requirements to execute against the agreed go‑to‑market and sourcing plans.
* Operate in alignment with our evolved procurement operating model, partnering closely with GBS and adhering to established procurement policies and governance frameworks.
* Monitor supplier performance for strategic partnerships, maintaining strong supplier relationships to drive cost savings, continuous improvement, innovation, sustainability, and other value beyond price.
* Monitor market trends, supply dynamics, and emerging risks to adjust category strategies accordingly.
* Promote and adopt the use of digital tools and analytics to drive insights, process efficiency, and spend transparency.
What You’ll Bring
* 5+ years related experience in a procurement role.
* Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders (internal and external), ensuring business alignment on critical objectives.
* Experience and knowledge in category management is highly advantageous.
* Strong knowledge and understanding of procurement processes, policy, and systems.
* Experience of working within fast‑paced and matrixed organisations.
* Experience of developing strategic partnerships with key suppliers.
* Ability to meet deadlines and prepare regular reports to share progress and performance.
* Knowledge of financial, legal and commercial contracts, sustainability/CSR and ethical sourcing.
* Ability to travel as required (15%).
About Primark
Primark is a global fashion retailer that has grown from its first store in Dublin in 1969 to a £9bn+ turnover business with over 80,000 colleagues and more than 440 stores across 17 countries. Our values revolve around caring for people, dynamism, and success together.
We welcome reasonable adjustments or accessibility requests during your recruitment journey. All offers of employment are subject to background checks. Primark promotes equal employment opportunity and strives to create an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves.
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