At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to manage procurement strategies and deliver cost savings.
- Company: Be part of a growing PE-backed business with exciting career progression.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model and exposure to major UK brands.
- Why this job: Work on large-scale projects that make a real impact across various industries.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years of procurement experience and a strong academic background required.
- Other info: Open to diverse procurement backgrounds, including generalists and specialists.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
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.
The role will provide you with the opportunity to work with some of the UK's biggest brands across multiple different industries and categories and give you exposure to a variety of exciting large scale procurement transformation programmes.
As part of ambitious growth plans across their UK & US offices, this is a great opportunity to join a growing PE backed business with excellent career progression prospects.
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 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:
· Ideally approx 2-5 years’ procurement experience
· Strong academic (graduate) background
· Strong track record of savings delivery
· 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 can 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 indirect categories. Engaging with industry experts can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨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 role-play scenarios. Practising these skills can help you feel more confident and ready to impress us during the interview process.
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 any achievements in cost savings and category management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in negotiation and stakeholder interaction.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of their procurement strategies and how your background aligns with their needs, particularly in delivering measurable savings.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong academic background and any specific tools or processes you have used in procurement. Discuss your proactive attitude and ability to take initiative, as these are key traits they are looking for.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in procurement roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elite Search Solutions
✨Research the Company and Its Clients
Before your interview, take some time to research the company and its key clients. Understanding their procurement strategies and the industries they operate in will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked about specific scenarios related to procurement challenges. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed category strategies, delivered savings, or negotiated effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Procurement Category Manager, you'll need strong analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis to inform your procurement decisions. Highlight any tools or methodologies you've employed to create effective category management approaches.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a key part of this role, so be prepared to discuss your negotiation style and techniques. Share specific examples of successful negotiations you've conducted, focusing on the outcomes and how you achieved them. This will showcase your ability to deliver measurable savings.