Purchasing Strategist – Product Category

We are Varberg Municipality, the employer who sees the potential in you. Here you get to make a difference, both for others and for yourself. We are driven by the idea of simplifying people's daily lives and realizing their dreams. We do this through knowledge, innovative courage, and a forward-looking spirit. We welcome you to contribute to our vision – to become the creative hub of the west coast.

The position is located at the Municipal Executive Board Administration. Here we work close to political decisions and play a key role in leading, coordinating, monitoring, and developing the municipality's operations. Our daily work is characterized by collaboration and engagement, contributing to long-term societal planning, sustainable growth, and good service to residents.

To enable a unified and efficient implementation of a group-wide category-based working method, a central resource is needed responsible for establishment, coordination, method support, training, and change management. You will become the link between relevant operations and group-wide functions. We are thus expanding our operations with a new role as Purchasing Strategist – Product Category.

Does this sound interesting? We welcome your application!

1 position(s).

Job Responsibilities

In the role of Purchasing Strategist, you lead the work of developing frameworks and control models for a category-based working method with the aim of creating and developing efficient working methods. You lead the change and development journey by actively training and coaching the organization, while together with the category manager and representatives from operations, you develop and refine category strategies for each category to create real and measurable impact. Together you conduct initial and in-depth analyses, monitor, and present goals and key figures regarding cost savings, quality, and contract compliance. As a Purchasing Strategist, you play a key role in ensuring the anchoring of the category-based working method in management and operations. You report to the Purchasing Manager.

The role also includes supporting the purchasing organization ahead of major procurements, as well as training and supporting operations managers and colleagues in category-driven working methods during the establishment phase and subsequently on an ongoing basis. You will also contribute to developing supplier relations and methods for supplier management.

You are expected to contribute to an innovative environment where we constantly seek better ways to achieve our prioritized goals.

Main responsibilities:

• Develop and implement category strategies from analysis to execution.
• Prepare decision support materials, analyses, and conduct follow-ups.
• Monitor the category area's business based on volume, profitability, risk, and KPIs.
• Manage, prioritize, and develop the category portfolio based on needs and business goals.
• Lead, coach, and develop the team (3 category managers) and create conditions for results and engagement within the Product Category group.
• Lead and coordinate development and change initiatives.
• Support managers and operations in strategic development work.
• Develop and quality-assure working methods and processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external actors.
• Monitor the external environment and identify development needs.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who has:

• Higher education at university level or university college level in procurement, law, or other education that the employer deems equivalent.
• Experience in driving complex projects.
• Very strong analytical skills.

You also have experience leading cross-functional groups and projects and developing processes, methods, and working practices. Experience in change management is important. If you also have experience in change management within purchasing, it is considered an advantage. Experience in contract follow-up and supplier management, as well as knowledge of the Public Procurement Act (LOU) and public procurement, is also considered an advantage.

You are a confident and natural leader who easily brings others along, even without formal authority. For success in the role, we also value that you are collaborative and receptive. By combining clarity with an open and inclusive working style, you build trusting relationships. You communicate clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, creating both engagement and clear direction in the work you drive. You listen actively, create good dialogues, and build trusting relationships through your communication style.

We are looking for someone who is strategic and analytical, with the ability to see the big picture and create structure even in complex contexts. You are self-initiating and accustomed to taking the initiative. With a strong solution focus and quality mindset, you independently drive issues within your area of responsibility. With your ability to anchor working methods and drive change, you contribute to development that lasts over time.

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability and make a holistic assessment of your combined competencies.

Salary: Monthly salary.
Employment type: Permanent position.
Duration: Permanent.

Varberg Municipality welcomes diversity and sees differences as a strength. We hope that you, as an applicant, can contribute with your background and competence.

Welcome to read more about what it is like to work with us at: https://varberg.se/jobb-och-foretagande/jobb-praktik-och-ideellt-arbete/till-dig-som-ska-borja-hos-oss (https://varberg.se/jobb-och-foretagande/jobb-praktik-och-ideellt-arbete/till-dig-som-ska-borja-hos-oss)

Before employment with us, you need to show that you have the right to work in Sweden according to the Aliens Ordinance. This is done by proving citizenship in the EU/EEA or Switzerland, or by presenting a work permit or an exemption from it.