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- Tasks: Develop and implement category strategies while collaborating with stakeholders to drive efficiencies.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to equity and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive hiring practices ensure opportunities for all candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing supplier relationships and driving operational efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 61 - 61 £ per hour.
Duration: 8 Months (Until March 2027)
Rate: GBP 61 per hour (Inside IR35)
Location: Reading Hybrid (office and remote based working)
Clearance: SC
This role will be inside IR35 on an umbrella solution due to the nature of the service.
Role Profile
- Develop and implement category strategies for assigned areas, balancing short‑ and long‑term objectives to support business goals and deliver efficiencies and cost savings in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Support and deliver strategic sourcing activities in line with approved category strategies and preferred supplier lists, including managing RFx processes, supplier evaluation and selection, contract negotiation, award, and handover to the business in accordance with organisational requirements and policies.
- Contribute to supplier relationship management for key suppliers, including segmentation, contract management, risk identification and mitigation, and performance oversight.
- Monitor and drive supplier performance, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations through the use of performance scorecards, key performance indicators (KPIs), and service level agreements (SLAs), and pursue appropriate remedies for non‑compliance.
- Assist in developing supplier value by planning and preparing external review meetings with key suppliers, including management and executive business reviews, in line with agreed supplier strategies.
- Promote operational efficiency in alignment with supply chain processes and strategies, ensuring all activities meet supply chain and category team targets.
- Deliver cost‑effective category solutions and business models for assigned categories through effective strategy execution.
- Manage the supplier base, including classification and maintenance of preferred supplier lists, ensuring a competitive supply market.
- Apply consistent ways of working in line with the organisation's category management framework, delivering agreed category targets and KPIs.
- Engage stakeholders to ensure active participation in category strategies, sourcing activities, and supplier relationship management, and communicate relevant updates such as category plans, preferred suppliers, and supplier performance.
Equity and Diversity
Our client guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. If a high volume of disabled candidates meets the essential criteria, the best candidates from that group will be interviewed. Our client guarantees to interview all veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. If a high volume of ex‑military candidates/spouses or partners meets the essential criteria, the best candidates from that group will be interviewed. Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a better way for us to communicate, please let us know.
Category Manager employer: Circle Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Circle Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its category strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around supplier management and cost-saving initiatives. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings—be proactive! Reach out directly to companies you admire and express your interest in potential opportunities. Sometimes, the best roles aren’t even advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We’ve got all the tools to help you stand out, and applying directly can give you a better chance of getting noticed. Let’s get you that Category Manager gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in category management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, emphasise your ability to develop and implement category strategies. We’re looking for candidates who can balance short- and long-term objectives, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement: Since this role involves engaging with various stakeholders, make sure to mention your experience in collaboration and communication. We love seeing how you’ve successfully worked with others to achieve common goals!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Circle Recruitment
✨Know Your Category Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on category management principles and be ready to discuss how you would develop and implement strategies. Think about specific examples from your past experience where you've balanced short- and long-term objectives to achieve business goals.
✨Master the RFx Process
Familiarise yourself with the RFx processes, including supplier evaluation and selection. Be prepared to share your approach to contract negotiation and how you've successfully managed these processes in previous roles.
✨Supplier Relationship Management Insights
Think about your experiences with supplier relationship management. Be ready to discuss how you've segmented suppliers, managed contracts, and identified risks. Highlight any performance oversight methods you've used, such as KPIs or SLAs.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Prepare to talk about how you engage stakeholders in category strategies and sourcing activities. Share examples of how you've communicated updates and ensured active participation, as this will show your collaborative approach and ability to drive results.