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- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement in the fast-paced tech world and drive innovation.
- Company: Join Places for People, a leading social enterprise dedicated to community spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension contributions, and cashback healthcare plan.
- Why this job: Shape IT procurement strategies that make a real impact in a caring community.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and IT category management with strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and team collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! We are more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That’s someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK’s leading Social Enterprise, we’re dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.
Are you ready to lead strategic procurement in the fast-moving world of technology? We’re looking for a Category Manager – IT to drive value, efficiency, and innovation across our organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape IT procurement strategies that deliver real impact. The role is FTC for 12 months.
In this role, you’ll take ownership of the IT category, developing and implementing strategies that align with organisational goals. You’ll manage end-to-end procurement processes, ensuring compliance and delivering value for money. Leading and motivating a small team, you’ll foster collaboration and continuous improvement while building strong relationships with stakeholders across IT, Finance, and Legal.
You’ll have experience in procurement, with a strong track record in category management and strategic sourcing. Your commercial acumen and negotiation skills will enable you to influence decisions and deliver value. Experience in managing and developing teams is essential, along with a deep understanding of IT markets and supplier capabilities.
The essential Criteria:
- Experience in procurement, with demonstrable experience in IT category management and strategic sourcing.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to deliver value and influence business decisions.
- Skilled in developing and implementing category strategies, sourcing plans, and robust procurement recommendations in the IT category.
The benefits:
- Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly.
- Pension with matched contributions up to 7%.
- Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave.
- Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year.
- A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%.
- Training and development.
- Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.
Category Manager - IT FTC in Preston employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - IT FTC in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Places for People is all about community spirit and doing the right thing, so be ready to share how you embody those principles in your work.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples that highlight your strategic sourcing skills and how you've delivered value in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community at Places for People.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - IT FTC in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm for the role and how you align with our People Promises.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in procurement and category management. We’re looking for someone who can drive value and innovation, so connect your past achievements to what we’re after in this role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your skills and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the IT category. Understand the latest trends and challenges in the tech market, as well as Places for People's mission and values. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also genuinely care about the company.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since Places for People values community spirit and collaboration, be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and built relationships in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've motivated others and fostered a positive working environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to negotiate or implement a sourcing strategy. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask. This could be about the company's approach to innovation in procurement or how they measure success in the IT category. It shows you're engaged and thinking about how you can contribute to their goals.