At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and implement category strategies for complex defence programmes.
- Company: Major UK public-sector defence organisation with a hybrid working model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for veterans and candidates with disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while working on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
We are seeking experienced Category Managers to support a major UK public-sector defence organisation on an initial 6-month contract. The role offers hybrid working, with one day per week required in the client's Bristol office (Wednesday) and the remainder remote, subject to business requirements. This role is inside IR35 - Due to the service of the role it will now be based on an Umbrella solution.
As a Category Manager, you will work within the Category Management function to develop and implement category strategies that support the delivery of complex equipment, services and platforms. You will help improve delivery, capability and availability while driving value and reducing whole-life costs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing category strategies based on customer requirements, market intelligence, supplier capability and wider defence strategy.
- Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and acting as a trusted commercial and procurement advisor.
- Embedding category management principles across complex programmes and business areas.
- Defining category scope, deliverables, timescales, resources and budgets, and developing associated workstream plans.
- Identifying and prioritising future requirements and procurement opportunities.
- Conducting market analysis, supplier research and industry engagement to identify innovation and potential solutions.
- Producing market intelligence and economic analysis to inform procurement and category strategies.
- Delivering measurable financial and non-financial benefits through effective category management.
- Identifying and managing commercial, supply-chain and market risks.
About You
You will have:
- Proven experience in category management, strategic procurement or strategic sourcing within a complex organisation.
- Strong commercial awareness and a thorough understanding of the commercial/procurement lifecycle.
- A track record of delivering measurable benefits through category management.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience engaging with senior leaders.
- The ability to think strategically, make decisions and respond effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience within the defence industry, complex engineering or similarly regulated environments is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of defence supply chains or categories such as autonomous systems, weapons systems, sensing/communications, power, propulsion or auxiliary systems would be advantageous.
- CIPS qualification is desirable.
If you are an experienced Category Manager with a strong and strategic procurement background and are interested in supporting complex defence programmes, we would be keen to hear from you.
If you qualify, please notify us on igs@circlerecruitment.com. We will be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your guaranteed interview. Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a better way for us to communicate, please do let us know.
Category Manager in Bristol employer: Circle Recruitment Careers
As a Senior Security Engineer with our esteemed Government client, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing national security. The company fosters a collaborative work culture, offering flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth through continuous training and development. With offices located nationally, you can enjoy the benefits of a supportive environment while contributing to meaningful projects that make a real difference.
Contact Details:
Circle Recruitment Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Bristol
✨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 in Bristol
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 Circle Recruitment Careers 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, Circle Recruitment Careers 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 Circle Recruitment Careers 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 Circle Recruitment Careers 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 Circle Recruitment Careers
✨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.
