At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement strategies and deliver cost savings for leading brands.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on sustainable cost reduction across various industries.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with a supportive and fun environment.
- Other info: Open to diverse procurement backgrounds, including generalists and specialists.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that make a real impact while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 3-7 years of procurement experience and a strong academic background required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Role is hybrid with circa 3 days per week in Leamington Spa office. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team of Procurement Management Specialists that deliver auditable and sustainable cost base reduction to clients in a variety of industries. With a wide range of procurement experience across many industries including manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality, healthcare, property and the service sector, this is a growing business offering a working environment which is hardworking, supportive and fun.
As a Procurement Category Manager, you will get the opportunity to work on behalf of a number of leading brands to identify and implement innovative procurement solutions which reduce costs and add value. Given the range of projects you will work across, we are open to a range of procurement backgrounds. Therefore, whilst Indirects would be preferable, transferable direct category backgrounds are also considerable. You could be a generalist or an SME procurement professional!
Key Responsibilities:- Interact with key stakeholders and analyse data to create category management approaches
- Advise and agree with on the procurement strategy for high spend categories
- Deliver measurable savings through hands on category management including undertaking tenders, negotiations and auctions
- Use of leading edge tools and processes and creative thinking to design solutions which deliver rapid cost savings and improvements in performance
- Sourcing suppliers from the UK and Worldwide to meet needs
- 3-7 years’ procurement experience in a major UK or international company
- Strong academic (graduate) background and have an agile approach to challenges
- A breadth of category management, moving successfully and quickly between direct and indirect product and service categories
- Strong track record of savings delivery within a high spend environment
- Positive and proactive attitude, confident in taking personal initiative
- Good negotiation skills and natural persuasion
Procurement Category Manager employer: Elite Search Solutions
Contact Detail:
Elite Search Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and category management. Understanding current market dynamics and innovative procurement solutions will help you stand out during discussions with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in both direct and indirect categories. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've delivered measurable savings in previous roles. Being able to articulate your achievements clearly will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your negotiation skills by preparing for potential role-play scenarios. We value candidates who can confidently navigate negotiations, so practice articulating your strategies and outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement experience, especially in category management. Emphasise any achievements related to cost savings and stakeholder interaction, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to deliver measurable savings and innovative solutions in procurement.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your negotiation skills and any experience with tenders or auctions. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed high spend categories and delivered results in previous roles.
Showcase Your Adaptability: Since the role is open to various procurement backgrounds, emphasise your ability to move between direct and indirect categories. Share examples of how you've adapted to different procurement challenges in your career.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elite Search Solutions
✨Research the Company and Its Clients
Before your interview, take some time to understand the company’s mission, values, and the industries they serve. Familiarise yourself with their key clients and any recent projects they've undertaken. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the nature of the Procurement Category Manager role, be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've successfully managed procurement strategies or delivered savings. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a crucial part of this role. Be prepared to share examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Highlight your approach, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes achieved to illustrate your capability in this area.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Abilities
As a Procurement Category Manager, you'll need to analyse data to create effective category management approaches. Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles to inform your procurement decisions and drive cost savings.