Senior Category & Supplier Relationship Manager

Senior Category & Supplier Relationship Manager

Full-Time 70000 - 73000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Govia Thameslink Railway

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead category management and supplier relationships to drive commercial value and sustainability.
  • Company: Join GTR, a forward-thinking company based near London Bridge with a hybrid work model.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a team that values innovation and sustainability in supply chain management.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: MCIPS qualified or working towards it, with five years' experience in strategic procurement.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 73000 £ per year.

£70,000 - £73,000 along with excellent benefits. Exciting opportunity to come and join GTR as Senior Category & Supplier Relationship Manager based at Monument Place, near London Bridge (hybrid working).

Are you MCIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS and/or minimum of five years' experience in a strategic procurement environment? Do you have strong experience in Supply Management and relationship management? Can you develop Category Strategies and/or have a proven track record in Category Management? Have you got experience of tendering within UCR 2016 and UK Procurement Act 2023 regulations?

About the role: The Senior Category & Supplier Relationship Manager (SRM) is responsible for managing the category management team and complex supply chain categories. Leading the development of and driving the department category management and SRM strategy through the wider procurement team and the whole business ensuring we deliver the best results for our stakeholders. The role is responsible for ensuring we drive commercial value from our Suppliers, providing valuable market insights and support our Safety, Sustainability and CSR commitments within the Category Management team.

  • Provide invaluable Supplier and market insights and expertise to internal stakeholders, driving informed decision-making.
  • Ensure all procurements comply with the GTR Procurement Policy and the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23).
  • Supporting the delivery of ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement certification.
  • Develop and implement cost-based reduction strategies capable of delivering annual target savings alongside supporting the Finance Business Partners with Annual Business Plan budgeting.
  • Define category roadmaps, strategies, reviews and input into medium to large tender programmes.

To apply for this exciting opportunity please submit a cover letter and CV detailing why you have applied for the role and what experience you can bring.

Senior Category & Supplier Relationship Manager employer: Govia Thameslink Railway

GTR is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a dynamic work environment at Monument Place, near London Bridge, with the flexibility of hybrid working. With a strong focus on professional development, GTR provides opportunities for growth and advancement in strategic procurement, while also prioritising sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and excellence.

Govia Thameslink Railway

Contact Details:

Govia Thameslink Railway Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Category & Supplier Relationship 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 Govia Thameslink Railway.

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 Senior Category & Supplier Relationship Manager

MCIPS Qualification
Strategic Procurement
Supply Management
Relationship Management
Category Strategy Development
Tendering Experience
UCR 2016 Knowledge

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 Govia Thameslink Railway:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Govia Thameslink Railway. 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 Govia Thameslink Railway.

How to prepare for a job interview at Govia Thameslink Railway

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 Govia Thameslink Railway!

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 Govia Thameslink Railway. 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 Govia Thameslink Railway's culture.