At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement projects and provide expert advice to achieve corporate objectives.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to social value and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies that drive value and support community goals.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Category Manager to be responsible to the Category Lead for providing excellent senior level commercial advice to support the Council to achieve its corporate objectives. Working in partnership with the relevant Department, acting as a key strategic advisor on complex procurement matters, managing procurement projects of high value, complexity and/or risk to the council and to guide and advise the relevant department(s) to achieve the twin objectives of value for money and social value.
Providing expert technical information, advice, guidance and challenge on all aspects of the procurement process to internal customers. Managing relationships with third party partners, and ensuring that any potential risks within procurements are effectively managed to safeguard successful delivery of outcomes. Specialising (although not exclusively) on contracting activity within certain categories of spend or certain classes of contract activity so as to gain familiarity with certain service considerations.
Contributing to Council-wide and service areas initiatives that will achieve and implement the corporate objectives. Providing effective procurement programme and risk management application of corporate procurement standards and controls management of people, resources and operations as may be required for identified key procurement projects within the service areas.
Main Duties:
- To work alongside the Category Lead in the service area you are allocated to develop and implement category procurement strategies and develop and implement robust forward procurement plans, including setting targets which contribute to the delivery of the Medium Term Financial Strategy and other key Council policies.
- To provide expert strategic procurement and contract management advice to senior managers and officers across the Council.
- To provide contractual advice and lead end-to-end procurement processes across the Council including complex and high value contracts, acting in the role of Category Manager as a key member of the project team.
- To provide quality advice and guidance to internal customers on all aspects of the procurement process, supported by expert technical knowledge including relevant legislation and best practice.
- To apply the tools and techniques of strategic sourcing to achieve business outcomes through sound market analysis, commercial acumen and strategy formulation, resulting in improved quality of services and/or financial savings and, in all cases, value for money.
- To work closely with stakeholders to ensure procurement activity meets business needs, while providing objective advice and guidance, for instance in tender evaluation and moderation.
- To manage multi-disciplined teams to achieve a common outcome and to provide guidance and supervision to Procurement Officers assigned to support projects.
- Ensure procurement exercises are compliant with requirements such as National Rules (Procurement Act and/or Provider Selection Regime) and the Social Value Act, plus additional wider Council objectives including Sustainability and Fair Tax.
Category Manager in London employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨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 All The Top Bananas.
✨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 London
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 All The Top Bananas:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to All The Top Bananas. 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 All The Top Bananas.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨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 All The Top Bananas!
✨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 All The Top Bananas. 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 All The Top Bananas's culture.
