Operations & Supply Chain

Strategic Sourcing and Category Management

Strategic sourcing moves procurement from buying transactions to managing categories of spend for maximum value. This course covers the category management cycle: spend analysis, market and supplier analysis, category strategies, sourcing approaches, negotiation, implementation and supplier management.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Category management can deliver sustained savings and innovation. You will learn the full process used by leading procurement teams.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Category analysis exercises, strategy development workshops, case studies and negotiation practice.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain category management principles
Analyse spend and internal requirements
Analyse supply markets and suppliers
Develop category strategies
Select sourcing approaches
Implement and monitor category plans

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Category managers
Procurement managers
Strategic buyers
Supply chain professionals
Finance partners

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Spend analysis
Market analysis
Strategy development
Sourcing
Implementation

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Category Management

09:00–10:08Concept and benefits
10:08–11:00Category cycle
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Category cycle (continued)
11:45–12:53Stakeholders
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Internal Analysis

09:00–10:08Spend analysis
10:08–11:00Requirements
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Requirements (continued)
11:45–12:53Stakeholder needs
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Market Analysis

09:00–10:08Supply market analysis
10:08–11:00Supplier positioning
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Supplier positioning (continued)
11:45–12:53Porter’s five forces
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Category Strategy

09:00–10:08Strategic options
10:08–11:00Business case
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Business case (continued)
11:45–12:53Sourcing approach
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Implementation

09:00–10:08Tendering
10:08–11:00Contracting
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Contracting (continued)
11:45–12:53Performance monitoring
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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