Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a commercial strategy team and manage procurement delivery for infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the public sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strategic thinking, with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for site visits and networking.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Overview: This role is Inside IR35.
Clearance: DV – However, candidate can start on SC – Will put candidates through DV.
Location: Reading – 2/3 days per week in office – Site visits to Aldermaston/Burghfield once/twice a month.
Contract Length: 18 months.
Minimum Requirement:
- Lead commercial strategy team
- Task management (around 6 people)
- Experience producing sourcing strategy
- Leading external framework commercial strategy
- Experience working with external frameworks
- Procurement delivery
- A focus on Pre-contract knowledge/experience
- Strategic thinker
- Strong stakeholder management at all levels – internal and external, written and verbal
- Procurement act
- Procurement regs
- Public sector experience
- Delivering infrastructure/construction strategies
- NEC 3 or 4, preference to 4
Desirable Skills:
- Jaggaer, Oracle Fusion, CEMAR
- Experience of liaising/working with exec level
- NEC accreditation
- Specific Technology/Systems experience
- Standard MS Packages
- Jaggaer – desirable/helpful, not essential
- CEMAR – desirable/helpful, not essential
- Oracle fusion – desirable/helpful, not essential
- Previous Authority Public sector experience (must have some at least)
Quals/Certs:
- MCIPS, Not essential
Principal Category Manager employer: ComXps
Contact Detail:
ComXps Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and public sector. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your stakeholder management skills. We want you to showcase how you’ve successfully navigated complex relationships in previous roles. Be ready with examples!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your experience with external frameworks and procurement delivery. We’re looking for strategic thinkers, so make sure you can articulate your thought process and decision-making.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with procurement delivery and strategic thinking, as these are key for the Principal Category Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with external frameworks and stakeholder management, and how you can lead our commercial strategy team effectively.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your public sector experience and any specific projects that align with infrastructure or construction strategies. This will help us see how you can hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at ComXps
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement regulations and public sector experience. Be ready to discuss your previous roles in delivering infrastructure and construction strategies, especially with NEC contracts. This will show that you understand the nuances of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Category Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in commercial strategy. Highlight your task management skills and how you’ve motivated your team to achieve their goals.
✨Stakeholder Management is Key
This role requires strong stakeholder management at all levels. Think of specific instances where you've effectively communicated with both internal and external stakeholders. Be ready to explain how you navigated complex relationships and delivered results.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
While not essential, having knowledge of tools like Jaggaer, Oracle Fusion, and CEMAR can give you an edge. If you have experience with these systems, be sure to mention it. If not, do a bit of research to understand how they work and how they relate to the role.
