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- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and develop procurement strategies for a major UK retail client.
- Company: Join a leading company in the retail FM sector, focused on innovation and quality service.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work options, competitive salary, annual bonus, private health care, and 33 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, make impactful decisions, and enhance your strategic skills.
- Qualifications: 5 years' experience in procurement or supplier management; CIPS qualification preferred.
- Other info: Regular travel to Glasgow head office required; collaborative environment with no direct reports.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Title: Category Manager (Retail FM) Location: Remote / Hybrid – Regular Travel to City Head Office in Glasgow Contract Type: Permanent Working Hours: 40 Hours Per Week Salary: Competitive Package + Car / Car Allowance + Annual Bonus, 33 Days Holiday, Private Pension & Benefits – Including Private Health Care, Life Insurance, Employee Discounts! An exciting opportunity has emerged for an experienced Category Manager to join our company, working with one of our major UK retail clients. The role will see you responsible for the management of City Groups’ (UK & Ireland) supplier relationships, this includes all PPM and reactive suppliers within a given customer contract. The successful candidate will need to be strategically minded and will support in the development and implementation of procurement strategies ensuring cost efficiency, quality and supplier reliability. The role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and collaborating with internal stakeholders to meet City and our Client’s objectives. Key Responsibilities: * Manage all supplier relationships and contract delivery for allocated suppliers * Build strong engagement and trust with City’s customers, responding promptly to client requests and using performance scorecards to demonstrate achievement of delivery targets and contractual compliance * Support category strategy development. * Create and oversee a regular supplier audit regime to assure City and its customers of suppliers’ compliance regarding health and safety, and other key compliance aspects. * Work will customers to set annual budgets and ensure alignment within wider procurement team to deliver schedule of services in line with budget * Act as an escalation point for all supplier related issues Financial Responsibility * The Category Manager will work with the wider procurement team to ensuring contract charges are accurate and aligned to the services delivered. In addition, the Category Managers will work with finance and the wider procurement team to review and over or under spend, supporting preparation of budgets where required. * The Category Manager will also be expected to positively impact the P&L of the company through the delivery of in contract savings. People Responsibility * The Category Manager will not have any direct reports but will be expected to collaborate positively with a wide group of stakeholders including the client, wider procurement team and field operations. Qualifications / Experience: Essential * 5 years’ experience of working within a procurement or supplier management environment. * CIPS qualification or equivalent * Knowledge of retail and hospitality or customer service industry, preferred, but not essential Desirable but not essential: * A working knowledge of the maintenance service within the FM industry is preferrable, with previous working knowledge of a multi-site contracted environment being desirable. Key Skills required: * Strong commercial and supplier management experience and capability * Ability to collaborate with disparate teams * Strategic and Procurement Process mindset * Ability to build, nurture and grow relationships with suppliers and customers * Credibility to deliver a successful SRM programme * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills * Ability to critically challenge * Understanding of contracts and the key service deliverables within contracts Category Manager Supplier Manager Procurement
Category Manager employer: City Facilities Management
Contact Detail:
City Facilities Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the retail and hospitality sectors, as understanding these industries will give you an edge. Research current trends and challenges in procurement within these fields to demonstrate your strategic mindset during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in procurement and supplier management, especially those who have experience in the FM industry. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to build connections that could lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with supplier relationship management (SRM) in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully built and maintained relationships, as well as how you've handled challenges or escalations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've used data to drive procurement decisions. Be prepared to explain how you've contributed to cost savings or improved supplier performance through data-driven strategies.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and supplier management. Emphasise your strategic mindset and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Showcase your understanding of the retail and hospitality sectors, and explain how your skills align with the company's objectives.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly mention your CIPS qualification or equivalent in your application. If you have experience in the FM industry or multi-site contracted environments, be sure to include this as it is desirable for the role.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, highlight your ability to collaborate with diverse teams and build strong relationships with suppliers and customers. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at City Facilities Management
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in managing supplier relationships. Highlight specific examples where you successfully negotiated contracts or improved supplier performance, as this will demonstrate your capability in handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The role requires a strategic mindset, so be ready to talk about how you've developed and implemented procurement strategies in the past. Discuss any frameworks or methodologies you used to ensure cost efficiency and quality, which will show your alignment with the company's objectives.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle supplier-related issues. Prepare scenarios where you had to critically challenge a situation or make tough decisions, as this will highlight your analytical capabilities and decision-making process.
✨Understand the Company and Its Clients
Research the company and its major retail clients before the interview. Understanding their business model and challenges will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your interest in the role, making you a more compelling candidate.
