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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to deliver innovative procurement solutions and reduce costs for leading brands.
- Company: A growing business with a supportive and fun environment, specialising in diverse industries.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexibility and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a hardworking team that values creativity and delivers real impact across various sectors.
- Qualifications: 3-7 years of procurement experience and a strong academic background are essential.
- Other info: Open to diverse procurement backgrounds; both generalists and specialists are welcome!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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
Skills & Experience:
· 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 strategies 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. This can provide you with insights and potentially valuable connections that could benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've delivered 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 negotiate and persuade, so practice articulating your approach to various procurement challenges.
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.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to deliver measurable savings and innovative solutions.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your negotiation skills and any experience with tenders or auctions. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed both direct and indirect categories in previous roles.
Showcase Your Academic Background: Since a strong academic background is important, include your qualifications prominently. If you have any certifications related to procurement or supply chain management, be sure to mention those as well.
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 or achievements. 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, expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed categories, negotiated contracts, or delivered savings, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a key part of this role, so be prepared to discuss your negotiation strategies and successes. Consider preparing a brief case study of a successful negotiation you led, highlighting the challenges faced, your approach, and the outcomes achieved.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
As a Procurement Category Manager, you'll need to analyse data to create effective category management approaches. Be ready to discuss how you have used data analysis in previous roles to inform procurement strategies or drive cost savings. Highlight any tools or methodologies you are familiar with that can aid in this process.
