At a Glance
- Tasks: Own operational category strategies and drive strategic sourcing for critical supply chains.
- Company: Leading UK utilities organisation with a focus on procurement expansion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 10% bonus, attractive benefits, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a growing team and develop your strategic procurement expertise.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's largest investment programme in over 100 years.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience and strong supplier management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
A leading UK utilities organisation is expanding its procurement function and is looking for an experienced Operations Category Manager to join its growing team. This is an opportunity to take commercial ownership of key operational categories, working closely with operational stakeholders and strategic suppliers to strengthen supply chain performance, improve service delivery and ensure the business has the resources and capabilities needed to deliver its ambitious investment plans.
Following a period of significant growth, the organisation is embarking on its most ambitious investment programme in over 100 years. With substantial investment across its operational infrastructure, procurement will play a crucial role in ensuring the availability, quality and commercial performance of the goods and services that keep the business running. You'll have the opportunity to shape category strategies, influence operational decisions and deliver tangible improvements across critical supply chains.
As an Operations Category Manager, you will:
- Own Operational Category Strategy: Develop and deliver category strategies across operational spend, aligning procurement priorities with wider business and infrastructure requirements. You'll have the autonomy to shape your categories, identify commercial opportunities and influence how critical operational requirements are sourced and managed.
- Drive Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Negotiations: Lead end-to-end sourcing activity across complex operational requirements, from market engagement and tender development through to negotiation and contract award, supporting long-term operational performance.
- Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience: You'll play an important role in ensuring suppliers have the capacity, capability and resources to support the organisation's significant investment and ongoing operational demands.
- Improve Supplier Performance & Relationships: Take ownership of strategic supplier relationships, monitoring contractual performance, challenging underperformance and driving continuous improvement. You'll have the opportunity to influence service standards, improve supplier accountability and develop partnerships that deliver lasting operational and commercial value.
- Partner with Operational Stakeholders: You'll act as a trusted commercial partner, working closely with engineering, operations and wider business teams to understand requirements, challenge existing specifications and influence procurement decisions.
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Procurement Experience: A proven background in procurement and category management, ideally within utilities, infrastructure, engineering, manufacturing or another complex operational environment. Experience independently managing a category for at least 12 months is preferred, although Senior Buyers with demonstrable end-to-end category management experience will also be considered.
- Complex Supply Chain Knowledge: A sound understanding of contract management, supplier risk and procurement processes, alongside the commercial and practical challenges involved in sourcing goods and services that support business-critical operations.
- Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: A track record of leading complex sourcing projects, developing category strategies and negotiating commercial agreements.
- Supplier & Stakeholder Management: Confidence managing strategic supplier relationships, challenging performance and influencing stakeholders across operational and commercial functions to achieve business objectives.
- Commercial & Analytical Capability: Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret spend data, understand supplier markets, identify opportunities and translate insight into effective category strategies.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a procurement function experiencing significant growth at a pivotal time for the utilities sector. With unprecedented infrastructure investment, ownership of business-critical operational categories and exposure to complex supply chain challenges, you'll have the opportunity to develop your strategic procurement expertise while making a tangible contribution to the services relied upon by millions of customers across the UK.
If you're an ambitious procurement professional with experience across operational categories and are looking for greater ownership, strategic influence and the opportunity to make a genuine impact, we'd welcome a conversation.
For further information or to apply, email your CV to Maria at jobsMC@bramwith.com
Operations Category Manager Specialist 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 Operations Category Manager Specialist
✨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 Operations Category Manager Specialist
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.
