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- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and develop procurement strategies for a major UK retail client.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on delivering exceptional service in the retail sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work options, competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and private health care.
- Why this job: Be part of a strategic role that impacts company success and builds valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: 5 years' experience in procurement and a CIPS qualification are essential.
- Other info: Regular travel to Glasgow head office required; collaborative environment with no direct reports.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Title: Category Manager (FM)
Check below to see if you have what is needed for this opportunity, and if so, make an application asap.
Location: Remote (Some travel expected to Glasgow Head Office, few times per month, company funded travel)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 40 Hours Per Week
Salary: Competitive salary range depending on experience + Car / Car Allowance + Annual Bonus, 33 Days Holiday, Private Pension & Benefits – Including Private Health Care, Life Insurance, Employee Discounts!
An exciting opportunity has emerged for an experienced Category Manager to join our company, working with some of the biggest UK retail clients. The function has recently restructured to support a more strategic approach to how we procure and contract with our contractors and supply chain, putting strategic category management at the heart of what we will deliver.
The role will see you responsible for the management of City Groups’ (UK & Ireland) contractor relationships, this includes all PPM and reactive suppliers within a given customer contract. Through category management you will be able to leverage our wider market coverage on dedicated categories where you can build you own strategy, efficiencies plan and overall pipeline helping us deliver for our major customers and City itself.
The successful candidate will need to be strategically minded and will support in the development and implementation of procurement strategies ensuring cost efficiency, quality and supplier reliability. The role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, driving innovation and collaborating with internal stakeholders to meet City and our Client’s objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage all supplier relationships and contract delivery for allocated contractors and supply chain
* Build strong engagement and trust with City’s customers, responding promptly to client requests and using performance scorecards to demonstrate achievement of delivery targets and contractual compliance
* Lead on Procurement savings and efficiencies delivery for the business
* Support category strategy development.
* Create and oversee a regular supplier audit regime to assure City and its customers of suppliers’ compliance regarding health and safety, and other key compliance aspects.
* Work with customers to set annual budgets and ensure alignment within wider procurement team to deliver schedule of services in line with budget
* Act as an escalation point for all supplier related issues
Financial Responsibility
* The Category Manager will work with the wider procurement team to ensuring contract charges are accurate and aligned to the services delivered. In addition, the Category Managers will work with finance and the wider procurement team to review and over or under spend, supporting preparation of budgets where required.
* The Category Manager will also be expected to positively impact the P&L of the company through the delivery of in contract savings.
People Responsibility
* The Category Manager will not have any direct reports but will be expected to collaborate positively with a wide group of stakeholders including the client, wider procurement team and field operations.
Qualifications / Experience:
Essential
* 5 years’ experience of working within a procurement or category management position. xiskglj
* CIPS qualification or equivalent experience
* Knowledge of FM, retail and hospitality or customer service industry, preferred, but not essential
Desirable but not essential:
* A working knowledge of the maintenance service within the FM industry is preferrable, with previous working knowledge of a multi-site contracted environment being desirable.
Key Skills required:
* Strong commercial and supplier management experience and capability
* Confidence to deliver through negotiations
* Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders
* Strategic and Procurement Process mindset
* Ability to build, nurture and grow relationships with suppliers and customers
* Credibility to deliver a successful SRM programme
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Ability to critically challenge
* Understanding of contracts and the key service deliverables within contracts
Category Manager employer: City Facilities Management
Contact Detail:
City Facilities Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the retail and hospitality sectors, as understanding these industries will give you an edge. Research current trends and challenges in supplier management within these fields to demonstrate your knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in procurement and supplier management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others in the field. This can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals that may help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with contract negotiation and supplier relationship management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and delivered cost savings in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your strategic mindset by thinking about how you would approach category strategy development for the company. Consider potential improvements or innovations you could bring to the role and be prepared to discuss these ideas during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and supplier management. Emphasise your strategic mindset and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the retail and hospitality sectors. Mention your CIPS qualification and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as commercial acumen, relationship building, and analytical abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and contributed to cost efficiencies in previous roles.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your strategic thinking by discussing how you have developed or implemented procurement strategies in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at City Facilities Management
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in managing supplier relationships. Highlight specific examples where you successfully negotiated contracts or improved supplier performance, as this will demonstrate your capability in handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Since the role requires a strategic mindset, think about how you can contribute to the development and implementation of procurement strategies. Be ready to share your thoughts on cost efficiency and quality improvements, and how you've applied these in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle supplier-related issues. Prepare scenarios from your past experiences where you faced challenges and explain how you resolved them, focusing on your analytical approach.
✨Understand the Company and Its Clients
Research the company and its major retail clients before the interview. Understanding their business model and challenges will allow you to tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
