Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sourcing strategy for print products in the EMEA region and engage with stakeholders.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on innovative procurement solutions.
- Benefits: Excellent salary, career growth, and opportunities to influence market strategies.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while working with top industry contacts.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and experience in supply chain management.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and client success.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Working in a key role the Category Manager will be expected to drive the vision and strategy for strategic sourcing of print and associated products for the EMEA region, with input into global strategy. This position will be accountable for all relevant category sourcing activities, providing thought leadership around supply chain strategies, product innovation and market intelligence. The successful candidate will manage the dependencies between sourcing and relevant stakeholders ensuring effective handovers, supplier engagement and involvement of the appropriate parties as part of project implementations.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish potential savings benefits arising from procurement activity in relevant category spend.
- Work with account teams to ensure that savings targets are met or exceeded in nominated accounts.
- Manage team in taking relevant products and services to market (utilising all relevant procurement tools, eg e-auction etc) to negotiate contracts (price and service) with relevant vendors, before handing contracts to account teams for administration.
- Possess a strong, well-informed assessment of how relevant product/service lines can be utilised by clients to support achievement of client broad commercial objectives.
- Support the programme of relevant information dissemination for all products and services to account teams and associated clients to ensure that account teams and clients have a well-informed understanding of potential value of, in particular, emerging technologies.
- Understand relevant client accounts and work with account teams and clients to design, develop and deliver solutions in line with the company’s declared objectives of driving down process and product costs whilst enhancing effectiveness of communication piece.
- Drive the best practice vendor selection and procurement process across all account teams.
- Determine, with relevant Client Service Directors or Functional Heads, criteria for identifying value and profile of work.
- Deliver insight and creative solutions to Operations and Business development teams when crafting bid responses (and participate in client facing meetings as required).
- Drive the Category Management response in developing and delivering proposals and presentations outlining value to target clients of procurement management strategy.
- Review and revise the strategic approach to the category and deliver best-in-class pricing for the company and their clients through leveraging your network of Board level industry contacts within the marketplace.
Key Skills
- Ability to shape/influence the supply base within the market and detailed understanding of life cycle management.
- The ability to negotiate at all levels.
- In-depth understanding of colour management.
- Conversant with supply chain analysis and dynamics for one or more relevant product or service categories.
- Demonstrate highly developed relationship management skills and develop excellent client relationships.
- Ability to constructively challenge clients regarding their requirements where appropriate and have the influencing skills to have an impact at senior levels.
Category Manager in London employer: Harrison Scott Associates
Contact Detail:
Harrison Scott Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss how your skills in supply chain strategies and vendor management can drive their vision forward. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate contracts effectively. We suggest role-playing with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can bring innovative solutions to the table.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supply chain management, as well as any relevant achievements that align with our vision and strategy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven savings or managed vendor relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills and relationship management abilities. We want to see how you’ve influenced stakeholders and delivered creative solutions in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrison Scott Associates
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing. Understand the market dynamics, key players, and emerging technologies in print and associated products. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to drive the vision and strategy.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've successfully driven down costs or improved service levels. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will highlight your ability to negotiate at all levels, which is crucial for the Category Manager role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've managed relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific instances where you ensured effective handovers and engaged suppliers. This will illustrate your relationship management skills and your ability to work collaboratively.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you've developed and implemented sourcing strategies in the past. Think about how you can apply these experiences to the company's objectives. Showing that you can deliver insight and creative solutions will set you apart as a candidate who can drive value.
