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- Tasks: Lead commercial strategies for cybersecurity, networks, and telecoms in a dynamic digital environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company driving digital transformation and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, private healthcare, and flexible hybrid working.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital change, influencing key projects and driving long-term value.
- Qualifications: Strong background in digital procurement, with expertise in category management and stakeholder influence.
- Other info: Permanent, full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 75000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Digital Senior Category Manager to lead the commercial strategy across key digital domains, including Cybersecurity, Networks, and Telecoms. This pivotal role supports the delivery of high-impact digital transformation initiatives, enabling long-term innovation and resilience in a fast-evolving technology landscape.
What you’ll be doing:
- Own and execute commercial strategies for cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and software categories.
- Lead commercial support for project delivery contracts, software renewals, and sourcing of new technology solutions.
- Create and deliver category plans aligned with wider strategic goals and digital programme milestones.
- Manage a diverse portfolio of suppliers, driving continuous improvement and long-term value.
- Provide expert guidance to stakeholders on commercial best practices and risk mitigation.
- Actively scan the market to ensure the organisation remains agile, competitive, and informed of innovations.
- Influence at all levels of the organisation to embed commercial excellence and compliance.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong background in commercial or procurement roles within digital categories, ideally cybersecurity and/or networks.
- Proven experience influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional initiatives.
- Deep understanding of digital commercial models, supplier landscapes, and emerging technology trends.
- Expertise in end-to-end category management, with the ability to lead multiple high-value projects.
- Exceptional negotiation skills with the confidence to manage contractual risk and drive supplier performance.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term value creation with immediate operational needs.
- Experience managing categories with significant commercial value and strategic importance (up to £100m).
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive Salary: £63,000 – £75,000 depending on experience
- Car Allowance: £5,800 per annum
- Bonus Scheme
- Private Medical Health Care
- Generous Pension: Up to 12% employer contribution
- 26 Days Annual Leave (increasing to 30 with service) + Bank Holidays
- Flexible Hybrid Working
- Access to a wide range of wellbeing and discount benefits
Senior Category Manager - Digital (Reading) employer: Placed
Contact Detail:
Placed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - Digital (Reading)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in cybersecurity and network infrastructure. This will not only help you understand the market better but also allow you to engage in informed discussions during interviews, showcasing your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the digital procurement space. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. Highlighting your negotiation skills and successful project outcomes will demonstrate your capability to manage high-value categories effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's current digital initiatives and align your experience with their goals. Showing that you understand our mission and how you can contribute will make you a standout candidate during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager - Digital (Reading)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial or procurement roles, especially within digital categories like cybersecurity and networks. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in category management and stakeholder influence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Clearly outline how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Digital Senior Category Manager position, focusing on your strategic mindset and negotiation skills.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: When detailing your experience, include quantifiable achievements that reflect your ability to manage high-value projects and drive supplier performance. This could be in terms of cost savings, efficiency improvements, or successful project outcomes.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with the company's digital transformation initiatives and their approach to commercial excellence. Mention any insights in your application to show your genuine interest and understanding of their goals and challenges.
How to prepare for a job interview at Placed
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience in commercial or procurement roles, particularly within digital categories like cybersecurity and networks. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully executed commercial strategies or managed high-value projects.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Influence
Since influencing senior stakeholders is crucial for this role, come equipped with stories that illustrate how you've led cross-functional initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Stay Updated on Market Trends
Research current trends in cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Being able to discuss recent innovations or market shifts will show your proactive approach and understanding of the industry landscape.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Given the importance of negotiation skills in this role, think of past experiences where you successfully managed contractual risks or improved supplier performance. Be ready to role-play a negotiation scenario during the interview to demonstrate your confidence and strategic mindset.
