At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for Facilities & Maintenance, driving savings and building supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Haven, part of the award-winning Bourne Leisure family with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a holiday buy scheme, annual bonus, and exclusive discounts on holidays.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with exciting career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that champions continuous improvement and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
We're looking for a Category Manager to lead our Facilities & Maintenance procurement category - if you're someone who gets energised by driving commercial value and spotting where we can work smarter, this could be your next move. You'll own the whole journey: from sourcing and contract management through to building brilliant supplier relationships, whilst being the go-to expert for all our Facilities & Maintenance spend. It's about delivering real savings and operational wins, but also about creating opportunities that genuinely move the needle for Haven. You'll be accountable for keeping us on track with contractual obligations, service levels and business goals, all whilst bringing your own ideas to the table.
What you will be doing:
- Leading end-to-end procurement - from strategy and tendering through to supplier selection, negotiation, contract management and ongoing relationship building
- Driving commercial value - identifying and delivering savings, cost avoidance and value-generation opportunities whilst managing risk and ensuring contractual obligations are met
- Owning supplier relationships - building and managing strategic partnerships, monitor performance, drive innovation and act as the subject matter expert for Facilities & Maintenance procurement
- Translating strategy into action - working with the Facilities & Maintenance team and Central Operations to turn stakeholder requirements into commercially robust solutions that maximise value and margin
- Championing continuous improvement - staying across market conditions, support budget and inflation management, and collaborate with Finance and the wider Procurement team to enhance processes and delivery
What we'd like you to bring:
- Category Management expertise - proven experience as a Category Manager in multi-site hospitality, with proven track record developing strategies and leading complex sourcing across Hard and Soft FM
- Commercial mastery - strong negotiation and contract management skills, with experience delivering commercial value, operational efficiencies and risk mitigation through strategic procurement
- Procurement know-how - solid understanding of Source to Pay lifecycle, best practice procurement principles, complex tender development and procurement systems (Coupa or similar)
- Stakeholder leadership - excellent communication and relationship management skills with ability to drive change through influence, engage senior leaders appropriately and act as a trusted business partner
- Continuous improvement mindset - pragmatic, solutions-focused approach with proven ability to manage multiple priorities autonomously, deliver tangible efficiencies and navigate fast-paced environments without compromising delivery
What's In It For You?
- 'Holiday Buy Scheme'
- Annual bonus
- Generous discounts on both Haven and Warner Hotels holiday for you, family and friends
- Comprehensive wellbeing support
- Exclusive discounts with corporate partners
- Exciting career pathways, including Learning and Development opportunities such as Apprenticeships and Degrees
- Enhanced family friendly policies and pay (eligibility criteria applied)
We're part of the award-winning Bourne Leisure family - Haven & Warner Hotels - with 9,000 team members across 39 seaside locations and our HQ in Hemel Hempstead. We're defined by our people and our Breath of Fresh Air culture, which values authenticity and supports every team member. We operate a hybrid model (60% office-based, occasionally on Park or at external events), and we're genuinely committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments, flexible working, part-time, or job-share options where possible.
What to expect in recruitment:
The interview process is up to 3 stages and may include a presentation or skills test. If you need any support or reasonable adjustments to perform at your best, just let us know - we're here to help.
How to Apply:
We're committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. To get started, click apply now and answer a few quick questions, which should take 5 minutes. Once submitted, a member of our team will be in touch.
Category Manager - Facilities & Maintenance - Hertfordshire in Hemel Hempstead employer: Haven Holidays
Join our vibrant team in Cornwall as an Ice Cream Assistant, where we pride ourselves on creating a fun and friendly work environment. With opportunities for personal growth and development, you'll be part of a supportive culture that values teamwork and exceptional guest service. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a picturesque location, serving delightful treats to happy customers while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Facilities & Maintenance - Hertfordshire in Hemel Hempstead
✨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 Haven Holidays.
✨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 - Facilities & Maintenance - Hertfordshire in Hemel Hempstead
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 Haven Holidays:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Haven Holidays. 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 Haven Holidays.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haven Holidays
✨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 Haven Holidays!
✨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 Haven Holidays. 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 Haven Holidays's culture.
