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- Tasks: Lead procurement for disposables and consumables, driving cost savings and supporting sustainability goals.
- Company: Join a leading organisation known for innovation and operational excellence across the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, car allowance, and discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a strategic mindset are essential.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 42000 £ per year.
You will be joining a leading organisation with a strong presence across the UK and Ireland, recognised for its commitment to innovation, sustainability and operational excellence. Procurement is central to business strategy, and this role offers the chance to make a significant impact across multiple operating companies.
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract. As a Category Manager for disposables and consumables, you will take ownership of packaging, chemicals, janitorial, stationery and uniforms across the UK and Ireland, with scope to expand internationally. Working closely with the Head of Wholesale, you will define and deliver category strategies that drive cost savings, mitigate risk and support ESG targets. You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, monitor market developments and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and deliver effective project pipelines. Acting as a business partner to operating companies, you will provide insight on market conditions, support ESG initiatives such as reducing packaging waste and ensuring BCI-certified cotton in uniforms, and oversee cost management through benchmarking, reviews and tender processes.
What you’ll need to succeed:
- You will bring in-depth knowledge of disposables and consumables procurement, strong negotiation and networking skills, and experience with modern sourcing systems.
- A strategic mindset, problem-solving ability and change management skills are essential, along with the capacity to balance analytical thinking with creativity.
- Highly organised and resilient under pressure, you will be able to manage projects effectively and communicate with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring supply chain priorities align with business objectives.
What you’ll get in return:
In return, you will receive a salary between £40,000 - £42,000, 25 days holiday plus public holidays, your birthday off, an enhanced pension scheme, car allowance and life assurance cover. You will also benefit from discounts on high street shops, holidays, gyms and cinemas, access to wellbeing assistance and a hybrid working model based in the Reading office for a minimum of three days per week.
Category Manager (12 Month Maternity Cover) in Reading employer: hays-gcj-v4-pd-online
Contact Detail:
hays-gcj-v4-pd-online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager (12 Month Maternity Cover) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to showcase your ability to negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making an impact in the procurement world.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager (12 Month Maternity Cover) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience with disposables and consumables procurement, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills and strategic mindset. We want to see how you can make an impact!
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 your understanding of ESG initiatives and how you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and project management skills. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better! It helps us see the value you can bring.
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at hays-gcj-v4-pd-online
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of disposables and consumables procurement. Research the latest trends in packaging, chemicals, and janitorial supplies. Being able to discuss market developments and how they impact the business will show your expertise and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiating contracts and how you handle challenges during the process. This will demonstrate your strategic mindset and problem-solving abilities.
✨Align with ESG Initiatives
Familiarise yourself with the company's ESG targets, especially around reducing packaging waste and sourcing BCI-certified cotton. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to these initiatives and why they matter in today’s market.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Highlight your experience working with different teams and stakeholders. Discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated on projects in the past and how you ensure alignment between supply chain priorities and business objectives. This will showcase your organisational skills and ability to manage projects effectively.
