At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage category plans and supplier relationships to maximise business value.
- Company: Large national UK company with a focus on career progression.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in category management.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and supplier relationship management.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
I am currently recruiting several Category Managers for a large national UK company. The role requires a clear understanding of Category Management principles with a track record of delivering results across a number of different category areas, supplier and stakeholder relationships and to share best practice across the business.
It doesn't matter what category you have experience in, as long as you have solid category management experience and SRM experience and are looking to learn and develop. Excellent career progression on offer here.
Key parts of the role include:
- Developing and managing end to end category plans for the short, medium and long term and identifying a pipeline of initiatives to maximise value and outcomes for the business, balancing commercial risk and value opportunities.
- Providing specific category knowledge and supply market insight.
- Delivering category plans and category sourcing events, providing category support and identifying/managing category level risks.
- Managing a portfolio of suppliers to ensure contracted expectations (service, performance, cost, and risk) continue to be improved throughout the contract life cycle and to support these suppliers in delivering additional value.
- Supplier Management Relationship experience.
- Creation and delivery of a category strategy which ensures that value is delivered, and risk appropriately managed for the organisation.
Based in Reading 2 days a week and 3 from home.
Category Manager in Reading employer: 1st Executive
1st Executive is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Greater London, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With competitive daily rates and a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to enhance their skills while managing high-value contracts that make a real impact. The company fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the success of the infrastructure programme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Reading
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like 1st Executive.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to 1st Executive:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to 1st Executive. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like 1st Executive.
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at 1st Executive!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at 1st Executive. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into 1st Executive's culture.
