Category Management Trainingthat builds real capability and unlocks spend potential.

Our training is structured around the proven 5i® Category Management methodology, taught in universities and used by organizations worldwide to drive significant benefits. As part of the training, you will receive a training workbook containing the process and supporting reference materials. Some of our courses also include 3 months access to our online resources in Procleus. We can also license a full suite of process, tools and templates into the company for function or enterprise-wide use.

Category management is a strategic approach to manage third party spend. Rather than focusing on reacting to need and then initiating actions to buy, category management takes a more holistic, cross-organization approach. It works by segmenting spend according to ‘categories’ that reflect how marketplaces are organized. Then, for each category, the organization determines and implements the optimum sourcing strategy for all spend and anticipated spend in that category. By doing this, it’s possible to secure step change benefits well beyond that possible with traditional procurement.

Typically working in a procurement team, as a Category Manager you’ll be responsible for one or more categories and working to apply category management ongoing; cycling through the process for each category and then managing categories of spend once mature, before commencing the cycle again. Category Managers therefore need an advanced capability in practicing category management, along with market and category knowledge for the areas they are responsible for. We can help with that.

Category management is different from buying as it is the means by which an organization can maximize its leverage in the supply base and minimize risk beyond that possible with traditional buying. It is also a cross functional approach where key stakeholders actively participate in determining and implementing category strategies.

Yes it does. Cross-functional working is a key component of good category management. Our category management training includes practical training in stakeholder mapping and management, internal communications planning, and how to form and manage an internal cross-functional team. We also offer advanced training in workshop facilitation, conflict management and dispute resolution.

Yes, it is in fact essential. As the world moves towards digital category management, the process of creating category strategies will be enabled using AI and technology. However, human oversight becomes even more critical – both to review and validate the outputs these systems produce, and to understand how decisions are being made throughout the process. Whilst future Category Managers may not need to build or run these systems themselves, they will need a deep understanding of how they work to ensure results are accurate and reliable.

We offer a range of category management training courses to suit any role. As part of agreeing the training with you, we will discuss what you need, and take you through typical agendas prior to agreeing the final training.

There are no specific entry requirements. Anyone can benefit from our training – even those starting out. However, it helps if those attending have some prior procurement experience.

Yes, Category Management in Purchasing, now in its 5th edition, by Jonathan O’Brien, has been a best-selling business book on Amazon and is the benchmark for category management application.