At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial value through strategic sourcing and supplier management.
- Company: Join Network Plus, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full benefits package, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Category Manager
Department
Procurement
Employment Type
Permanent
Location
- Worsley
- Description
The Category Manager is responsible for delivering commercial value through strategic sourcing, supplier management, spend analysis, contract support and category management across Network Plus operations.
The role will work closely with operational, commercial and functional stakeholders to identify cost reduction opportunities, mitigate supply chain risk and ensure suppliers deliver value, quality and service performance aligned to business objectives.
The successful candidate will be commercially focused, highly analytical and confident managing both strategic and operational procurement activities.
Experience within the utilities, infrastructure, civil engineering or related sectors is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial & Category Management
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies across assigned spend categories.
- Lead competitive tendering exercises, supplier negotiations and contract renewals.
- Deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance and value improvement initiatives.
- Analyse spend data to identify consolidation, standardisation and commercial opportunities.
- Monitor market conditions, supplier trends and industry developments to support procurement decision making.
- Support category strategy development and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Supplier Management
- Develop collaborative relationships with key suppliers.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed service, quality and commercial KPIs.
- Support supplier performance reviews and improvement plans where required.
- Identify and mitigate supplier risks relating to financial stability, operational resilience and compliance.
- Support supplier onboarding and due diligence activities.
- Analytics & Reporting
- Produce detailed spend analysis, supplier performance reports and procurement management information.
- Develop dashboards and insights to support strategic decision making.
- Use data to challenge existing practices and influence business stakeholders.
- Identify trends, risks and opportunities across procurement categories.
- Contract & Risk Management
- Support contract negotiations, renewals and supplier governance activities.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with internal policies and delegated authorities.
- Assist in managing supplier compliance, contractual obligations and commercial disputes.
- Maintain accurate procurement records, contract registers and sourcing documentation.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with operational, commercial, finance and functional teams.
- Act as a trusted commercial adviser to stakeholders across the business.
- Promote early procurement engagement to maximise value and minimise risk.
- Support project mobilisation and delivery by ensuring suppliers are engaged effectively.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Procurement savings delivered (£)
- Cost avoidance achieved (£)
- Supplier performance against agreed KPIs
- Tender completion and cycle times
- Supplier risk mitigation actions completed
- Stakeholder satisfaction Spend under contract (%)
Experience and Qualifications
Experience
- Procurement and buying experience.
- Proven track record delivering commercial savings and value improvements.
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Experience leading supplier negotiations and tender exercises.
- Experience managing contracts and supplier relationships.
- Advanced Excel and procurement reporting capabilities.
- Knowledge
- Understanding of strategic sourcing methodologies.
- Knowledge of supplier evaluation, risk management and contract management.
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of total cost of ownership principles.
- Understanding of procurement governance and compliance requirements.
- Personal Attributes
- Commercially astute and results driven.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Confident communicator and negotiator.
- Able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Highly organised and detail-oriented.
- Proactive, pragmatic and solutions focused.
- Strong team player with a collaborative approach.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Experience within the utilities, energy, construction, infrastructure or civil engineering sectors.
- CIPS qualification (Level 4 or above) or working towards qualification.
- Experience using ERP and procurement systems (Business Central, Proactis or similar).
- Experience supporting supplier risk, compliance and ESG initiatives.
- What Success Looks Like
- Delivers sustainable commercial savings and value creation.
- Provides meaningful spend insight and data-led recommendations.
- Supports operational delivery through effective supplier management.
- Maintains a compliant, resilient and commercially competitive supply base.
- Becomes a trusted procurement partner to stakeholders across the Network Plus business.
Salary and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary based on experience along with a full benefits package.
Network Plus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
We are Armed Forces-friendly. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.
We understand that privacy and the security of your personal information is extremely important. By applying for this role, you agree to the terms of our privacy policy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Category Manager employer: Go Traffic Management Limited
Network Plus is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Worsley where collaboration and innovation thrive. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to meaningful payroll operations for a diverse workforce. With a strong focus on compliance and process improvement, the company fosters a culture of teamwork and support, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment in finance.
Contact Details:
Go Traffic Management Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨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 Go Traffic Management Limited.
✨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
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 Go Traffic Management Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Go Traffic Management Limited. 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 Go Traffic Management Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Go Traffic Management Limited
✨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 Go Traffic Management Limited!
✨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 Go Traffic Management Limited. 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 Go Traffic Management Limited's culture.
