At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and negotiate contracts for various indirect spend categories.
- Company: Join a diverse and innovative company committed to professional growth.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, career development initiatives, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact by managing key projects and driving procurement excellence.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing, strong negotiation skills, and project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Position Overview
The Category Manager is a strategy setter, collaborator, project manager, and negotiator who applies strong knowledge of service offerings to indirect spend categories for the company. This position will have accountability for spend categories, as assigned, such as Information Technology, SaaS, Marketing, Human Resources, Sales, Finance, Operations, Facilities, and/or Legal. This role also plays a key part in rolling out project initiatives for the Indirect Procurement organization, requiring experience in project management to ensure services effectively support the assigned categories. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of various procurement methods, understand and negotiate required agreements for purchasing items, and collaborate with business leaders to develop and execute procurement strategies.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute global category strategies and prepare, negotiate, manage, and coordinate agreements supporting assigned categories.
- Collaborate with business leaders in establishing and executing procurement strategies.
- Evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, service, cost, and capability; ensure competitive pricing and service models align with value propositions and market dynamics.
- Prepare bid packages, conduct bidder conferences, create statements of work, analyze and evaluate proposals, negotiate terms and conditions, recommend or select suppliers, draft awards, and administer resulting contracts.
- Manage supplier relationships, including pipeline development, communication, onboarding, and project handoff to operational areas.
- Skillfully negotiate contractual and commercial terms to achieve risk and spend targets.
- Work with various company functions to coordinate requirements, facilitate contract co-terminations, and leverage spend.
- Administer and manage supplier contracts to ensure compliance both externally and internally.
- Stay apprised of market trends and changes in business practices within the assigned categories.
- Track cost savings, cost avoidance, and cost increases.
- Perform reporting and spend analysis to support business goals.
- Lead and execute key projects for the Indirect Procurement team, such as implementing a contract management tool and a new procure-to-pay system.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of purchasing or related experience, or equivalent education and experience.
- Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with ERP systems.
- Experience negotiating agreements and contracts with strong comprehension of legal and commercial terms and conditions.
- Solid knowledge of supply chain requirements, systems, supplier development, indirect procurement categories, and process improvement.
- Ability to lead teams and influence peers and other cross-functional teams; strong communication skills, highly developed interpersonal skills, and self-motivation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to travel up to 15%, including internationally.
- Must be able to lawfully work within the UK and have unrestricted work authorization for the UK.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous Six Sigma training; Black or Green Belt desired.
- Experience developing and implementing category strategies.
- Advanced degree in Business Administration or Purchasing Management.
- Nationally recognized professional certification (CIPS Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional Contract Manager).
- Experience working with intellectual property concepts and contractual language.
- Oracle and Coupa systems experience.
- Business Objects data warehouse experience.
Benefits
- Career Growth: Dedicated learning initiatives and engaging challenges to support professional development.
- Flexibility: Remote, hybrid, or on-site options to fit individual lifestyles.
- Collaboration: A culture that encourages idea sharing and teamwork.
EEO Statement: Entrust is an EEO/AA/Disabled/Veterans Employer. Entrust values diversity and inclusion and is committed to building a diverse workforce with wide perspectives and innovative ideas. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and strive to provide an accessible experience for candidates of all abilities. If you require an accommodation, contact accessibility@entrust.com.
Category Manager - Indirect (12-month FTC - Maternity Cover) employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
Entrust is an exceptional employer that prioritises career growth through dedicated learning initiatives and engaging challenges, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to advance their skills in procurement. With a flexible work culture that supports remote, hybrid, or on-site options, employees can tailor their work environment to fit their lifestyles while collaborating in a team-oriented atmosphere that values diverse perspectives. Located in the UK, this role offers the opportunity to work on impactful projects within a supportive and inclusive organisation, ensuring a meaningful and rewarding employment experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Indirect (12-month FTC - Maternity Cover)
✨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 job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in indirect procurement categories. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate terms and conditions effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before those big interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Indirect (12-month FTC - Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement experience and any relevant projects you've managed, as this will show us you're a great fit for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about indirect procurement and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention specific categories you’ve worked with that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key in this role, include examples of successful negotiations you've led in your application. This will help us see your ability to manage supplier relationships and achieve cost savings.
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. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific indirect spend categories mentioned in the job description. Understand the nuances of each category, such as IT, Marketing, and HR. This will not only show your knowledge but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led or been a part of. Highlight your approach, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This is crucial for a Category Manager role, so be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to their procurement strategies.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
Since experience with ERP systems and contract management tools is preferred, brush up on any relevant software you’ve used. If you have experience with Oracle or Coupa, make sure to mention it. If not, do a bit of research to understand how these tools work and their benefits.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you track cost savings and perform spend analysis. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have led to improved procurement processes or cost reductions in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to contribute to their business goals effectively.
