Chanel Category Lead - Indirect Procurement

Croydon • UK

Monday, August 11, 2025

Chanel, renowned for its timeless elegance and luxury craftsmanship, is a leading name in the fashion industry. As part of its commitment to excellence, Chanel is supported by a robust procurement team that ensures the seamless operation of its global business. The company is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and dynamic work environment, encouraging personal growth and innovation. Chanel is part of a larger conglomerate that emphasizes sustainability and corporate responsibility.

1. Lead sourcing projects for key spend categories, ensuring collaboration with internal business partners.
2. Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining high levels of quality and service.
3. Support financial analysis and professional negotiation of acquisition costs and other commercial terms.
4. Act as category lead in close cooperation with project teams and key stakeholders such as IT, Finance, Legal, and InfoSec.
5. Develop and review business cases documenting supplier selection strategies and award decisions.
6. Support vendor management of key suppliers, sometimes acting as corporate Lead Buyer.
7. Partner with the UK IT Leadership team to forecast procurement needs and build effective procurement roadmaps.
8. Drive responsible sourcing, data security compliance, and ESG considerations in sourcing activities.
9. Improve existing indirect procurement practices, processes, and guidelines.
10. Support the implementation of procurement performance and regional compliance with IP process handbook.

1. CIPS qualification
2. Minimum of 3 years of all-rounded Strategic Procurement experience
3. Proven track record of building effective working relationships with business partners and external stakeholders

1. Strong understanding of IT Sourcing across Software, Hardware, IT Services, Infrastructure, Telecoms, and Digital Services
2. Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects
3. Strong negotiation skills and understanding of contract requirements
4. Expertise in procurement policy, procedures, and processes
5. Advanced experience with procurement tools such as SAP, Ariba, AX

A minimum of 3 years in strategic procurement roles, with a focus on IT sourcing and vendor management.

Chanel offers a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, pension, life assurance, retail discounts, employee assistance programs, arts and culture ticket discounts, and Chanel product discounts. Benefits are designed to support employees' professional and personal lives.

Chanel is committed to creating an inclusive culture that nurtures personal growth and contributes to collective progress. The company values diversity and believes that the uniqueness of each individual enhances team effectiveness. Chanel encourages applications from all backgrounds to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the team.