At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and implement procurement strategies while managing tenders from start to finish.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing Fibre Broadband company making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, health plans, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with clear paths for career progression and personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team empowering communities with top-notch broadband.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and category management; CIPS qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
An opportunity for you to develop and implement the procurement strategies for our Direct and Indirect spend, owning and running multiple tenders from end to end. Note: this is a hybrid role, with 1-2 days a week working in our Head Office in Abingdon, Oxon.
As we have grown from 100 to 700 employees and expanded our network footprint over the past 9 years, our direct and indirect spend has increased and our supplier list has expanded. As we mature and evolve, this role will help rationalise and ensure a strategic supplier list moving forward.
You will work with the business to help support and take us from where we are now to a preferred, cost-effective and value add supplier list that is fit for purpose and takes driving ESG / sustainability into account. The role will involve working with the business to understand procurement needs, market analysis, running tenders and negotiating contracts.
With a strong focus on improving performance management (implementing frameworks) and identifying key partners to ensure excellent and beneficial supplier relationship management. The mentoring and development of a team member is a key element of the role therefore you will also be looking for and ready to step up or bring previous management experience.
We would love to hear about your previous procurement and category management experience, where you have owned and managed tenders end to end and driven savings, ideally collaborating with a variety of departments, such as HR, Marketing, Facilities, Operations, Customer, Sales, etc. You will likely be fully CIPS qualified or at least studying to Level 4.
An understanding of materials and suppliers in the Telco / Fibre industry would be advantageous, but this is a generalist role where a “can do” attitude trumps previous sector experience and knowledge.
Gigaclear is a growing Fibre Broadband (FTTP / FTTH) company, developing our fibre-to-the-premises broadband infrastructure to some of the most difficult to reach areas of the UK, empowering those communities with broadband to rival any city.
Staff rewards, benefits and opportunities
- We foster a collaborative, engaging culture that empowers staff to grow and maximise their skills.
- Generous employer pension; up to 8% matched contribution.
- Income protection & life assurance.
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), holiday purchase scheme and Yay Days!
- Health cash plan, 24/7 remote GP access and Employee Assistance Programme including counselling & legal advice.
- Unlimited access to online training and development content via our Learning Management System.
- Long service benefits and monthly employee recognition.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity provisions.
- Flexible working environment.
- Health & Wellbeing initiatives and company funded social events.
Our approach is to work guided by our mission, vision and values. Our Mission - Empowering communities with brilliant broadband. Our Vision - Connected Communities. Our Values - Own it, Find the Right Way, Work Together, Win Together.
Category Manager in Abingdon employer: Gigaclear plc
At Gigaclear plc, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Located in the picturesque town of Abingdon, our team enjoys generous benefits such as pension contributions, health plans, and flexible working options, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance connectivity for small and medium businesses across rural England. We are committed to employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and leadership within a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Abingdon
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Gigaclear plc.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Gigaclear plc:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Gigaclear plc. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Gigaclear plc.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gigaclear plc
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Gigaclear plc!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Gigaclear plc. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Gigaclear plc's culture.
