Category Manager

Category Manager

Temporary 25178 - 30774 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
First Military Recruitment Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop and implement category strategies while influencing senior stakeholders.
  • Company: Join a leading organisation with a focus on impactful projects.
  • Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Ideal for those with experience in the Defence Industry or related fields.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in a complex environment and drive strategic initiatives.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years as a Category Manager with strong stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 25178 - 30774 £ per year.

Location: Bristol / London – Hybrid Min 1 day per week (Wednesday) in Bristol

Salary: Competitive Day Rate | Inside IR35

Overview: First Military Recruitment are currently seeking a Category Manager on behalf of one of our clients. The main objective of this role is to build front-end Category Strategy, influence senior stakeholders and drive delivery. Our client encourages applications from ex-military personnel however all candidates will be given due consideration.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement Category Strategies for assigned sub-group of categories, balancing short and long-term objectives to meet business strategy.
  • Support and execute stakeholder management.
  • This role is consultative in nature but you must be prepared to immerse yourself in the task should the need arise.
  • Delivering benefits (full range of non-financial and financial benefits) through category management interventions within a complex project/programme delivery environment.
  • Adopt a polite yet tenacious attitude to achieve goals and move projects towards completion.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Experienced Category Manager of 5+ years.
  • Experience within one or more strategically important category areas: Lethality (Weapons), Marine (e.g. shipbuilding and fleet support), direct and operational and general categories.
  • Ability to apply category management principles within complex, high-value and mission-critical environments.
  • Understands fundamentals of building Category Strategy.
  • Experience running large programmes/projects.
  • Strong stakeholder management and engagement skills.
  • Politely persistent to move things along.
  • High levels of influencing skills.
  • Track record of delivering benefits (full range of non-financial and financial benefits) through category management interventions.
  • MS Office / PowerPoint competent.

Desirable:

  • CIPS is desirable but experience is more important.
  • An understanding of the Defence Industry, supply chains and/or deep knowledge in related categories e.g. autonomous systems, weapons systems, sense decide & communicating systems, power propulsion & auxiliary systems, would be an advantage.

Category Manager employer: First Military Recruitment Ltd

Join a dynamic and innovative global company as an Electromechanical Field Engineer, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive salaries, a company vehicle, and opportunities for career advancement, this role in Shepreth, Cambridgeshire offers the chance to work on exciting projects while building strong relationships with customers across the UK. Experience a fulfilling career in a company that values your contributions and invests in your future.

First Military Recruitment Ltd

Contact Details:

First Military Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager

Tap into Consulting Networks

Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like First Military Recruitment Ltd. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!

Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time

As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!

Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards

Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at First Military Recruitment Ltd.

Leverage University and Alumni Resources

If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at First Military Recruitment Ltd.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager

Category Strategy Development
Stakeholder Management
Project Management
Consultative Skills
Influencing Skills
Benefits Delivery
Complex Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!

Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.

Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at First Military Recruitment Ltd and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.

Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.

How to prepare for a job interview at First Military Recruitment Ltd

Prepare for Case Studies

In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like First Military Recruitment Ltd will want to see.

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to First Military Recruitment Ltd.

Highlight Your Adaptability

Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at First Military Recruitment Ltd.

Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit

Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at First Military Recruitment Ltd. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.