At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and supplier performance in a dynamic procurement role.
- Company: Major infrastructure business with a focus on strategic sourcing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and fast-paced career progression.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team where procurement is a strategic partner.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-value projects and shape the future of procurement.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Hybrid | Competitive Salary + Benefits | Infrastructure Sector
This is a standout opportunity for a procurement professional to step into a highly visible Category Manager role within a major infrastructure business delivering one of the UK's largest investment programmes. Procurement sits at the heart of decision-making here - giving you genuine influence, senior stakeholder exposure and the chance to shape strategic sourcing across high-value, business‑critical spend areas.
You'll lead category strategy, supplier performance and commercial negotiations in a complex environment where your work will directly impact long‑term operational outcomes. With significant transformation underway, this role offers fast‑paced career progression, the opportunity to build a lasting commercial legacy and the chance to join a collaborative team where procurement is recognised as a true strategic partner to the business.
What You'll Bring:
- Proven Procurement experience
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capability
- Ability to influence stakeholders and drive decision‑making
- Experience managing complex supplier relationships and contracts
- Sourcing and category planning expertise
- Confident working within fast‑paced, evolving environments
- Analytical mindset with the ability to turn insight into action
- Collaborative approach with strong communication skills
Please reach out for a chat. Interviews take place immediately.
Category Manager Corporate Services (indirects) employer: 1st Executive
Contact Detail:
1st Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager Corporate Services (indirects)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and infrastructure sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in terms of category strategy and supplier performance. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be your perfect match. Plus, applying directly can sometimes speed up the process and get you noticed quicker by hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager Corporate Services (indirects)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your procurement experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and managed complex supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention your analytical mindset. We want to see how you turn insights into action, especially in fast-paced environments like ours.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our collaborative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around category management and supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight your commercial acumen and how you've influenced stakeholders to drive decision-making. This is a key part of the role, so demonstrating your capability here will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions that test your ability to manage complex supplier relationships and contracts. Think about challenges you've faced and how you navigated them. This will showcase your analytical mindset and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in a fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate Collaboratively
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Show that you can collaborate effectively by sharing examples of how you've worked with others to achieve common goals. Strong communication skills are essential!