At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement and manage supplier relationships to drive commercial success.
- Company: Leading UK utilities organisation with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work, and attractive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a growing team with opportunities for career development and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential services while shaping procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strategic sourcing required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 62000 £ per year.
Location: West London (Hybrid)
Salary: 55,000 - 62,000 (+ 10% bonus & attractive benefits package)
Ready to take ownership of strategic categories and influence one of the largest investment programmes in the UK utilities sector? A leading UK utilities organisation is significantly expanding its procurement function and is looking for experienced Category Managers to join its growing team. With multiple opportunities available across Operations, Indirect and Digital categories, this is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of end-to-end category strategies, influence key commercial decisions and help shape procurement across a business delivering essential services to millions of customers.
Following a period of significant growth, the organisation is embarking on its most ambitious investment programme in over 100 years, creating substantial opportunities to strengthen supply chain capability, improve commercial performance and deliver long-term value. Working closely with stakeholders and strategic suppliers, you'll act as the commercial lead for your categories, using market intelligence and supplier insight to identify opportunities, challenge existing approaches and deliver meaningful improvements across the business.
As a Category Manager, you will:
- Lead End-to-End Category Strategy: Develop and deliver short, medium and long-term category strategies, taking ownership of sourcing pipelines, spend analysis and commercial priorities, giving you the autonomy to shape category direction and deliver sustainable value.
- Drive Strategic Sourcing & Negotiations: Lead complex sourcing projects and commercial negotiations, influencing contractual agreements and balancing cost, risk and supply chain resilience while strengthening your experience across high-value strategic procurement.
- Provide Market & Commercial Insight: Become the commercial expert for your categories, using market intelligence, supplier knowledge and industry developments to challenge existing approaches and influence business decisions, giving you real visibility and influence at a senior level.
- Manage Strategic Supplier Relationships: Build and strengthen relationships with key suppliers, oversee performance and identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, allowing you to develop influential partnerships and drive better commercial outcomes.
- Influence Stakeholders & Deliver Change: Partner with stakeholders across the organisation to shape category requirements, challenge industry norms and improve procurement processes, giving you the opportunity to make a lasting impact on business performance, customers and the wider community.
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Category Management & Procurement Experience: A proven background in procurement, with experience independently managing at least one category for 12 months or more. Candidates from Senior Buyer backgrounds will also be considered, provided they have demonstrable exposure to end-to-end category management and strategic sourcing.
- Complex Supply Chain Experience: Experience operating within complex supply chain environments, with the ability to understand market dynamics, assess supplier capability and identify opportunities to improve commercial and operational performance.
- Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: A track record of leading sourcing activities and negotiating commercial and contractual agreements, as well as an understanding of contract processes and risk management.
- Supplier & Stakeholder Management: Experience managing key supplier relationships, influencing internal stakeholders and driving continuous improvement, with the confidence to challenge existing practices and develop new approaches.
- Commercial & Analytical Capability: Strong commercial awareness, data analysis and problem-solving skills, with a proactive, curious approach and the ability to manage competing priorities, identify opportunities and deliver against challenging objectives.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a procurement function experiencing significant growth at a pivotal time for the utilities sector. With unprecedented investment, increased category ownership and exposure to complex commercial projects, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your expertise, influence strategic decisions and leave a lasting mark on how procurement and supply chain management are delivered across the organisation.
With multiple openings across different categories, there is flexibility to align opportunities with your existing experience while offering scope to develop into new areas of procurement.
Interested? If you're an ambitious procurement professional looking for greater category ownership, exposure to strategic projects and the opportunity to make a genuine difference, we'd welcome a conversation.
For further information or to apply, email your CV to Maria at jobsMC@bramwith.com
Category Manager – (Multiple Vacancies) Operations, Indirect & Digital Categories employer: Bramwith Consulting
Join a dynamic and innovative manufacturing organisation in Hemel Hempstead, where your role as a Senior Buyer will not only allow you to take ownership of strategic sourcing but also provide ample opportunities for career progression towards a Procurement Manager position. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and competitive benefits, this company is dedicated to fostering an environment where ambitious professionals can thrive and make a significant impact in the procurement field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager – (Multiple Vacancies) Operations, Indirect & Digital Categories
✨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 Bramwith Consulting.
✨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 – (Multiple Vacancies) Operations, Indirect & Digital Categories
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 Bramwith Consulting:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Bramwith Consulting. 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 Bramwith Consulting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bramwith Consulting
✨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 Bramwith Consulting!
✨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 Bramwith Consulting. 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 Bramwith Consulting's culture.
