Assistant Category Manager

Are you a detail-oriented and motivated professional looking to make an impact in procurement and category management? The Assistant Category Manager plays an integral role in supporting effective procurement and contract management for a specific category of goods or services within us. You will leverage your knowledge of procurement best practice and problem-solving skills to assist the Category Manager in optimising cost, quality, and delivery of critical goods and services. Day to Day Duties Maintain a good knowledge of market dynamics within the assigned category(s), including supplier capabilities, pricing trends, and potential supply chain risks. Responsible for system level commercial ownership of the relevant categories and contracting, including maintaining the pipeline and contract register and ensuring adherence to associated policies and processes Proactively identify and escalate potential supply chain disruptions to the Category Manager for further action. Work collaboratively with the Category Manager and other procurement team members to ensure smooth and efficient procurement operations. Identify areas for improvement within the assigned category and propose solutions to enhance efficiency or cost-effectiveness. Maintain a good understanding of procurement best practices, sourcing strategies, and contract administration processes relevant to a regulated environment. Deliver procurement strategies and projects in line with category management strategies for designated categories. Analyse procurement data, identify potential issues, and propose solutions to ensure adherence to budget, quality, and delivery timelines. Manage end to end procurement processes from market engagement though sourcing to contract award and management. Maintain a working understanding of the types of contract relevant to the assigned category for example Call-off Order Forms, Masters Services Agreements, NEC4 suite of contracts, Memorandums of Understanding etc. Assist with contract creation, negotiation, and administration, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements, including within the nuclear industry. Build effective supplier relationships and maintain communication. Support contract management activities, including due diligence, performance management, service improvement etc. Ensure adherence to governance, legislative and policy requirements where accountable for procurements and contracts. Maintain risk registers and support risk management strategies including supply chain and modern slavery risk management Support stakeholder management and engagement, by developing and managing productive relationships with stakeholders in other functions to deliver effective commercial and contract management services. Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, supplier information, and contract documents, ensuring adherence to filing and data management protocols. Actively participate in training opportunities to develop a comprehensive understanding of category management principles, industry regulations, and advanced procurement practices. Demonstrate strong attention to detail and accuracy in completing assigned tasks and adhering to deadlines. Knowledge, Skills and Experience required: Understanding of Category Management and demonstrable experience of developing category strategies through application of a data driven methodology and engagement with supply markets. A working knowledge of relevant category(s) is beneficial. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to learn new concepts quickly and contribute to finding solutions for procurement and contract management challenges. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members, communicate clearly with suppliers, and maintain professional relationships. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and willingness to learn new procurement software tools. Proficient in procurement software tools and data analysis techniques. Commercial knowledge and experience across the full commercial lifecycle Knowledge and experience of public sector procurement is beneficial but not essential. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Ideally MCIPS qualified (or working towards achieving the qualification), this is perferrable but not a necessity.