Associate Category Manager
6 hours ago
Madrid
ph3REPORTING TO: Strategic Sourcing Manager /h3 /brh3OFFICE LOCATION: Madrid, Spain /h3 /brh3ROLE TYPE: Hybrid, Full-time /h3 /brpIPC is a fintech company that focuses on the human element. With a global presence, we support local markets with our advanced cloud-based trading communications and managed connectivity solutions. /p /brpThrough our portfolio of communications and connectivity solutions, we focus on solving business challenges and adapting to regulatory changes in the fast-paced global financial markets. This enables our clients to maintain consistent market access, a strong competitive advantage, and enhanced operational efficiency. /p /brpJoin a team that is dedicated to delivering groundbreaking products and making a significant impact on our clients' success. /p /br /brh3Overview of the Team /h3 /brpThe procurement team operates as a globally centralised, highly collaborative function, partnering closely with stakeholders across all regions and business units. The team is led by a Senior Director based in our India office, supported by a Strategic Sourcing Manager in New York, and experienced procurement professionals located in Madrid, Spain, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and rolls into the Chief Administrative Officer, based in London. /p /brpTogether, we work as a high‑performance, globally aligned team, focused on driving enterprise‑wide value, strengthening supplier partnerships, and delivering operational excellence across the entire procurement lifecycle. /p /brh3Role Overview: /h3 /brpThe Associate Category Manageris responsible for the effective execution of day-to-day procurement activities, ensuring that purchasing transactions, supplier onboarding, and contract administration are completed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with company policies. /p /brpThis role supports strategic sourcing managers by managing operational procurement processes, including purchase order creation, vendor setup and documentation, contract tracking, contingent worker administration, and coordination with Finance and Accounts Payable. The Procurement Specialist serves as a key point of contact for stakeholders, helping guide them through procurement processes while maintaining governance and data integrity. /p /brpWhile primarily operational in nature, the role contributes to cost control and process improvement by identifying inefficiencies, supporting reporting requirements, and ensuring adherence to preferred supplier and contracting frameworks. /p /brpIn short, the Associate Category Managerensures procurement runs smoothly, compliantly, and consistently, enabling the broader team to focus on strategic value creation. /p /brh3Key Responsibilities: /h3 /brul /brliManage the end-to-end P2P process for assigned categories, including PO creation, approval routing, and supplier onboarding. /li /brliEnsure compliance with procurement policies, contracting frameworks, and preferred supplier programs. /li /brliOwn operational procurement outputs for assigned categories under guidance from senior team members. /li /br /ul /brh3Supplier Category Support /h3 /brul /brliIdentify, evaluate, and select suppliers aligned with approved sourcing strategies. /li /brliMaintain supplier relationships, gather market intelligence, and monitor supplier performance. /li /brliSupport and participate in supplier performance reviews and business review meetings. /li /br /ul /brh3Contracting Governance /h3 /brul /brliPartner with Legal to support contract administration, ensuring commercial accuracy and alignment with business requirements. /li /brliTrack contract status, expirations, renewals, and documentation. /li /brliMaintain strong data integrity across procurement systems and records. /li /brliPublish and maintain monthly procurement KPIs (e.g., savings, compliance, delivery performance, spend under management). /li /brliIdentify improvement opportunities to enhance process efficiency and stakeholder experience. /li /brliContribute to annual cost‑saving initiatives and process enhancement projects. /li /brliTrack, document, and report realized savings and cost‑avoidance outcomes. /li /br /ul /brh3How You Will Make an Impact: /h3 /brul /brlibAccelerate business decisions /b by turning purchasing needs into clean, on‑time POs, ensuring stakeholders have what they need to execute with speed and certainty. /li /brlibRaise procurement standards /b by embedding policy compliance and preferred‑supplier usage into day‑to‑day operations—improving control, audit readiness, and risk coverage. /li /brlibUnlock measurable savings /b by supporting sourcing events and tracking realized benefits—translating negotiations and demand shaping into tangible PL impact. /li /brlibStrengthen supplier performance /b by feeding the team with reliable data and insights, enabling better SLAs, delivery reliability, and service quality in business reviews. /li /brlibImprove the stakeholder experience /b through clear guidance, responsive support, and predictable cycle times—making procurement a trusted, easy‑to‑use partner. /li /brlibProtect commercial outcomes /b by ensuring contracts reflect what the business really needs (scope, pricing, terms)—lowering leakage and preventing surprises post‑signature. /li /brlibMake data a strategic asset /b by maintaining high integrity across systems (vendors, contracts, POs, KPIs), enabling accurate reporting and smarter decisions. /li /brlibDrive continuous improvement /b by spotting process bottlenecks and proposing practical fixes that shorten lead times, reduce rework, and scale across regions. /li /brlibEnable global consistency /b by aligning with colleagues in NA/EMEA/APAC, helping standardize ways of working and amplifying best practices across the function. /li /brlibDe‑risk operations /b by coordinating clean handovers, documentation, and SOPs that ensure business continuity even as priorities shift. /li /br /ul /brh3Essential Skills and Experience to be Successful in this Role: /h3 /brh3Professional Experience /h3 /brul /brli3+ years of experience in procurement or sourcing roles. /li /brliExperience managing categories such as electronics, servers, networking equipment, cabling, software, licenses, hardware/software maintenance, installation, consulting, and similar services. /li /brliDemonstrated negotiation experience with suppliers. /li /br /ul /brh3Technical Skills /h3 /brul /brliStrong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general digital tools. /li /brliExperience with Oracle ERP (highly desirable). /li /brliFamiliarity with P2P systems, contract lifecycle workflows, and vendor management tools. /li /br /ul /brh3Interpersonal Skills /h3 /brul /brliStrong verbal and written English communication skills. /li /brliExcellent stakeholder‑management capabilities across multiple levels. /li /brliStrong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to close tasks independently. /li /brliHigh level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to operate in a fast‑paced global environment. /li /brliProactive, self‑starter mindset with the ability to work under minimal supervision. /li /brliCollaborative team player comfortable working across NA, EMEA and/or APAC. /li /br /ul /brh3Education Certifications /h3 /brul /brliBachelor's degree in Procurement, International Trade, Business, Supply Chain, Compliance, or related field. /li /brliProfessional certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) are strongly preferred. /li /br /ul /brh3What's in It for You? /h3 /brpAt IPC, your compensation is only part of the package. We are committed to investing in a range of programs and initiatives to improve the overall experience of our employees. /p /brpIn addition to a collaborative, high-performing team environment, we’re pleased to offer benefits including: /p /brul /brliBenefits package: Private Health Insurance + Pluxee Transport Pass + Pluxee Restaurant Pass /li /brliAdditional Time off for Charity Work and Volunteering /li /brliTuition Reimbursement /li /brliCertification Bonus Program /li /brliAccess to “IPC University” our Internal E-Learning Platform /li /brliAccess to LinkedIn Learning /li /brliStructured Onboarding Training and Peer Mentor Support /li /brliWellness Program /li /brliEmployee Referral Scheme /li /br /ul /brpFurther information about your benefits will be provided during your onboarding process. /p /brh3Additional Information: /h3 /brpAt IPC, we believe that hybrid working creates an inclusive, flexible environment where employees can perform at their best, and teams can collaborate, innovate, and celebrate successes together. We spend around 60% of our time in the office and around 40% of our time working remote. Some employees may be required to work from the office or client sites more than 60% of the time, if required by their role and/or client needs. /p /brpYour precise work schedule will be determined by you and your Line Manager before commencement of employment with IPC. /p /brpYou can explore more about our culture, offerings and commitment on and /p /brh3IPC's Work Culture: /h3 /brpThe IPC work culture is one that fosters inclusion, prioritizes innovation, and maximizes potential. We are a global ecosystem, full of diverse people that together made IPC what it is today. /p /brpOur strength as an organization is the sum of our different backgrounds, perspectives, skills and geographies; supported by an ironclad commitment to constructive dialogue and open-mindedness. /p /brpWe live and breathe our commitment to innovation by embracing bold ideas, seizing new opportunities and striving for excellence. Our people have continued to deliver ground-breaking solutions to our clients for over 50 years. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr