At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement projects and manage complex sourcing activities.
- Company: Join a leading utilities client with a focus on asset management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact in a dynamic environment while influencing critical operations.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement and strategic sourcing leadership.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 42500 £ per year.
Location: Durrington, West Sussex (Hybrid - 2 Days per Week in the Office)
Salary: Circa £55,000-£60,000 + Benefits
Are you an experienced procurement professional looking to take ownership of complex sourcing projects within a highly regulated and asset-intensive environment? Our leading utilities client is seeking a Category Manager - Operations & Asset Management to join its Category & Sourcing team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead strategic procurement activity across a diverse portfolio of operational and asset-related spend, helping to deliver commercial value and support critical business operations.
Working closely with operational and engineering stakeholders, you'll be responsible for managing a substantial pipeline of procurement projects and driving sourcing strategies that support the organisation's long-term objectives.
The Role
As Category Manager, you'll lead end-to-end procurement activity across a broad range of operational and asset management categories. You will be expected to work independently, managing multiple projects simultaneously while delivering robust commercial outcomes.
Key categories include:
- Operational Assets
- Maintenance Contracts
- Equipment Supply
- Hire Agreements
- Hire Purchase Arrangements
- Operational Service Contracts
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic sourcing and procurement projects from inception through to contract award.
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Manage complex procurement programmes and regulated tender processes.
- Develop commercial models, pricing structures and evaluation methodologies.
- Lead supplier negotiations and contract discussions.
- Build strong relationships with operational, technical and engineering stakeholders.
- Support long-term category planning and procurement delivery across the business.
- Identify opportunities to drive value, mitigate risk and improve supplier performance.
About You
We're looking for an established Category Manager with a strong sourcing background and a proven track record of delivering complex procurement projects. You'll be a commercially astute professional who is comfortable operating autonomously and influencing stakeholders across a large organisation.
Essential Experience
- End-to-end procurement and sourcing leadership.
- Category strategy development and implementation.
- Managing complex tender exercises and contract awards.
- Commercial modelling and evaluation methodologies.
- Leading supplier negotiations.
- Managing multiple procurement projects simultaneously.
Desirable Experience
- Utilities, infrastructure or engineering sector experience.
- Asset Management procurement.
- Maintenance and operational services procurement.
- Knowledge of the Procurement Act and regulated procurement environments.
- Public sector procurement experience.
What's Important
This role requires someone who can make an immediate impact and confidently lead procurement projects from day one. As such, this opportunity is best suited to experienced Category Managers or procurement professionals who have significant strategic sourcing experience and a track record of managing complex commercial projects independently.
Interested? If you're a commercially minded procurement professional looking to join a business with a significant procurement pipeline and the opportunity to influence critical operational and asset management programmes, we'd love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager (Assets)
✨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 Adecco.
✨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 (Assets)
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 Adecco:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Adecco. 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 Adecco.
How to prepare for a job interview at Adecco
✨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 Adecco!
✨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 Adecco. 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 Adecco's culture.
