BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World. 
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

ROLE PROFILE

ROLE SUMMARY

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role? 

The Global Category Lead is responsible for the deployment of the global category strategy in line with the category/categories in scope of the role, specifically:

• Category strategy development, refinement and refresh
• Buying channel spend and compliance reporting (incl. commercial risk management and contract pipeline)
• Strong collaboration with wider BAT Procurement (incl. GBS) to delivery buying channel/sourcing objectives
• Key partner supplier relationship management 
• Peer group and external market network build

ROLE DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Define Global Strategies for the category to achieve the business objectives for the next 1 – 3 yrs
• Perform Buying channel plans in line with global definition and policies
• Lead global and geographic contract negotiations, where appropriate, effectively to deliver robust terms and conditions that manages BAT’s service delivery and commercial risk that represent value for money
• Build strong supplier base relationships and handle negotiation and supplier selection within the framework of the category strategies and sourcing strategies 
• Lead global and geographic supplier management and drive geographic continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers in coordination with business functions 
• Ability to understand and communicate individual category strategy to internal collaborators •Business Continuity plan execution and pro-active risk management

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE

ESSENTIAL

Experience Required

• Procurement professional with 5+ years’ experience sourcing IDT Cybersecurity and Systems Integration services across multi‑market portfolios: managed detection & response (MDR/MSSP), security operations (SOC), incident response, vulnerability testing, threat intelligence, cloud security and enterprise systems integration (SI partners, middleware/API, data platforms).

• Detailed knowledge of cyber and integration supply markets and operating models: MSSPs, specialist boutiques, hyperscale/security vendor ecosystems, and global SIs; familiarity with control frameworks and certifications and data‑protection obligations for SaaS/Cloud and integrations.

• Proven track record running RFPs for cyber services, cloud/SaaS renewals and integration work packages; rate‑card/effort benchmarking and performance‑based contracting; disciplined estimation across discovery, mobilization, run‑state operations and continuous improvement.

• Strong command of contracting for IDT Cyber & Integration, including negotiating Master Service Agreements and corresponding Statement of Works in addition to data‑protection and security schedules, IP/usage‑rights, service

levels/credits, penetration‑testing and audit rights, change‑control, subcontractor/flow‑down and termination for convenience/for cause.

• Experience deploying buying channels and contract pipelines in line with Procurement governance

(Approach/Decision Gates, ESG/FHC checks), delivering value, risk‑reduction and speed‑to‑delivery for cyber and integration initiatives.

• Supplier‑management experience running QBRs and performance governance with critical metrics (MTTR, vulnerability remediation SLAs, service availability, integration defect rates, cost), embedding standardization and security‑by‑design across programmes.

• Demonstrated delivery of complex, multi‑site transitions (new MSSP onboarding, platform migrations, SaaS renewals with security addenda, integration of factory roll‑outs) while maintaining business continuity and compliance.

• Experience partnering with IDT leadership, Cyber/Infosec, Architecture, Data Privacy/Legal, Finance and GBS Procurement to align briefs, budgets, regulatory/compliance requirements and value realization.

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Knowledge of the Category including the external marketplace, key drivers and levers, supply base and balance of power, supplier capabilities and trends
• Expertise in negotiation skills and influencing skills: able to influence business partners and suppliers as well as the ability to be assertive if required to ensure compliance to contract 
• Strong digital analytical and numerical ability
• Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships working across geographic boundaries and functions
• A focus on service delivery and savings
• High capability engaging the senior leadership, adept at shaping decisions through concise, insight led narratives and collaborator alignment.
• Advanced analytical capability—structured problem-solving, hypothesis driven analysis, scenario modelling and benefits tracking that connects procurement outcomes to long-term business strategy.
• Critical thinking and planning—translates enterprise priorities into sourcing roadmaps, balances short-term delivery with long-term value creation and risk mitigation.
• Programme leadership—orchestrates complex, HQ led or global initiatives with structured PMO cadence, issue/risk management and change adoption across markets.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant area
• CIPS Corporate Diploma in Purchasing and/or membership of The Chartered Institute for Purchasing and Supply or equivalent country qualification or membership would be an advantage 

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills.
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.

WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.

We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.