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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage contracts to optimise spending.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on enhancing commercial capabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, free travel, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make an impact through strategic procurement while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to manage a team and drive sustainable procurement initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
As the organisation looks to strengthen its commercial capability, opportunities for progressive and experienced procurement and commercial professionals to join the Corporate Directorate as Senior Category Managers, Category Managers and Assistant Category Managers are available. As one of the Senior Category Managers, you will develop and manage commercial strategies for spend as well as providing professional advice on procurement matters to stakeholders at all levels to ensure that budgets are spent in accordance with strategy and Financial Regulations.
What's on Offer:
- Free Travel
- Hybrid Working: 2 days in the office, 3 days at home
- 25 days + 8 stats holiday per year
- CIPS Investment Bonus Scheme
Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage procurement category strategies for a portfolio of categories to achieve the strategic aims and objectives.
- Provide professional advice on technical procurement.
- Drive commercial and procurement initiatives.
- Negotiate and influence senior collective forums (internal and external) to achieve the benefits of collaborative procurement.
- Develop and deliver procurement savings plans for specific categories in collaboration with the customers.
- Lead and manage complex and strategic procurement projects to ensure their effective delivery in line with customer requirements.
- Use your own initiative and commercial acumen to address complex, high value and risk contract spend.
- Manage contract reviews for key business critical contracts managed outside of the central procurement function.
- Ensure contract performance is managed in line with KPI’s and customer requirements are met or exceeded.
- Develop and lead strategic partnerships with key suppliers to share risks and benefits.
- Develop and manage sustainable procurement strategies for specific categories and develop an action plan to deliver.
- Responsible for delivering specific category management elements of the organisations procurement vision and Business Plan.
- Manage Category Officers for specific categories.
- Line manage the performance and development of direct reports.
Your Experience:
- Procurement and commercial experience.
- Proven procurement, category and spend management delivery.
- Excellent communication skills and influencing skills.
- Previous experience working in a Procurement, Contract or Commercial role.
- Indirect Goods & Services Procurement experience.
- Demonstrable experience in managing procurement processes and contracts, including developing and implementing procurement strategies, evaluating bids and negotiating contracts.
- Public or Private Sector Procurement, Contracts or Commercial experience: Local Authority, Housing Association, Central Government, ALMO, Charities, Not-for-profit, Financial Services, Professional Services such as Legal Firms, Central Head office operations such as FMCG. Any related sector experience is considered.
If you feel you could be a good fit for the role - or know anyone that would, feel free to reach out to Harry at Elevation Recruitment Group.
Senior Category Manager employer: Elevation Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Elevation Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the procurement and commercial sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and expectations, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and best practices in procurement and category management. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions and innovative strategies will not only boost your confidence but also impress potential employers during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past achievements in procurement. Think about how you've successfully managed contracts, negotiated deals, or implemented cost-saving strategies. Real-life examples will demonstrate your capability and experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and mission. Understanding our organisational goals will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how your skills align with our objectives, making you a more compelling candidate for the Senior Category Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement and commercial experience. Focus on your achievements in managing category strategies, negotiating contracts, and delivering savings plans, as these are key responsibilities for the Senior Category Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the organisation. Discuss how your skills align with their needs, particularly in developing procurement strategies and managing complex projects. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, emphasise your experience in both public and private sector procurement. Mention any specific categories you have managed and the outcomes of your initiatives, as this will resonate with the hiring team.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication and influencing skills are crucial for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to negotiate and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels. This could include successful projects or partnerships you've led.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elevation Recruitment Group
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations of a Senior Category Manager. Familiarise yourself with procurement strategies, contract management, and how to drive commercial initiatives, as these will be key discussion points.
✨Prepare Examples of Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your procurement and category management skills. Highlight instances where you've successfully negotiated contracts or developed procurement strategies that led to significant savings or improved performance.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves influencing stakeholders at various levels, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex procurement concepts to non-experts in previous positions.
✨Research the Organisation's Procurement Vision
Take the time to understand the organisation's procurement vision and business plan. This knowledge will allow you to align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to contributing to their strategic aims.
