At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and procurement to maximise value for residents and communities.
- Company: Slough Borough Council, committed to transformation and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local services and influence key decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
We are looking for 3 experienced and professional Category Managers.
As, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the Council's Procurement Strategy and supporting Slough Borough Council's ambitious transformation and financial recovery journey.
This is a highly visible role where you will help shape how the Council procures goods, services and works, ensuring every pound spent delivers maximum value for residents and communities.
Working as part of the Procurement & Commercial Team, you will lead strategic sourcing and procurement activity across a diverse and complex portfolio of spend.
Partnering with senior stakeholders across the organisation, you will challenge existing approaches, identify commercial opportunities and deliver innovative procurement solutions that support service transformation, sustainability and social value objectives.
You will be responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies, leading complex and high-value procurement projects, and ensuring contracts deliver measurable commercial benefits and improved service outcomes.
This role offers significant exposure to senior leaders and provides an opportunity to influence decision-making across the organisation.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact within a council that is undergoing significant transformation.
You will have the chance to influence how services are delivered, work on high-profile procurement projects and contribute directly to improving outcomes for residents while helping shape the future of the Procurement Team at Slough Borough Council.
We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
At Slough Borough Council, we are moving Forward Together. Our core skills reflect what we value and will form part of your interview.
We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work-life balance.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April, subject to six months' service and satisfactory performance, until the maximum spinal column point is reached.
Alongside a competitive salary, we provide
- 26 days' annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years' service.
- The Local Government Pension Scheme
- Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality.
- Tax-free childcare and childcare services
- Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Category Manager in Slough employer: CIPS
CIPS is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Peterborough where you can thrive as an Assessment Operations Co-ordinator. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative culture, you'll enjoy generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, private medical insurance, and access to excellent facilities including a gym. Join us to be part of a global organisation that values your contributions and supports your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Slough
✨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 CIPS.
✨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 Slough
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 CIPS:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to CIPS. 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 CIPS.
How to prepare for a job interview at CIPS
✨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 CIPS!
✨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 CIPS. 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 CIPS's culture.
