At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for Net Zero technology and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: A leading UK energy organisation focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive pay, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on innovative projects in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team driving the energy transition and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong procurement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Interim Category Manager – Net Zero Technology, Metering & Heating Appliances Procurement Contract | Hybrid | 6 Months
A leading UK energy organisation is seeking experienced Interim Category Managers to support procurement activity across critical Net Zero technology and energy transition categories. This is an opportunity to join a high-performing procurement function, managing strategic sourcing activity and supplier relationships across areas including smart energy solutions, renewable technologies and essential customer energy services.
Key Categories:- Net Zero Technology
- Solar solutions
- Battery storage
- Connected home technology
- Smart energy products (including Hive-related technologies)
- Metering
- Smart meter procurement
- Meter installation services
- Meter data services
- Technical supplier management
- Heating Appliances
- Heating technology procurement
- Appliance supply chains
- Installation and service providers
- Lead end-to-end category management activities
- Develop sourcing strategies and run tenders
- Manage supplier relationships and commercial negotiations
- Deliver cost savings and value improvements
- Work closely with technical, operational and sustainability stakeholders
You will be an experienced Category Manager / Senior Category Manager with a strong procurement background, ideally gained within:
- Energy / utilities
- Renewable energy / Net Zero programmes
- Infrastructure
- Engineering
- Technology-led environments
Experience managing technical suppliers, services procurement and complex stakeholder groups is highly desirable.
Category Manager employer: Arguile
At Arguile, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer in the defence sector, offering our employees the chance to make a significant impact in a high-growth start-up environment. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and strategic thinking, while our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your career. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a unique advantage with access to industry leaders and cutting-edge projects that shape the future of defence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Arguile that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Arguile can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Arguile that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Arguile know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arguile
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
