Category Manager

Category Manager

Aylesbury Full-Time 36000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage supplier relationships for IT category.
  • Company: Dynamic company based in Aylesbury with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact by managing a £20m spend portfolio.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in IT procurement and CIPS qualification preferred.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on best practices and continuous improvement.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 84000 £ per year.

Job Description

IT Category Manager

Details:

  • Based in Aylesbury
  • Permanent, full-time (hybrid working, 2 days office-based)
  • £60,000

We are looking for an experienced IT Category Manager to join our client's team to oversee the end-to-end category management with a spend of circa £20m.

Key responsibilities:

  • Lead the development and execution of the procurement strategy, working closely with key business partners to align with and achieve company goals.
  • Build and nurture strategic partnerships with suppliers to foster innovation, ensure continuous improvement, and introduce industry-leading best practices.
  • Manage the entire third-party spend portfolio for the category, focusing on maximizing value and effectively mitigating commercial risks.
  • Oversees project delivery, ensuring that key initiatives meet defined targets and are completed on time and within budget through strong collaboration with internal teams.
  • Provide guidance to stakeholders and promoting a culture of best-in-class procurement to enhance compliance and deliver maximum value.

Successful candidates will have experience with:

  • Strategy development
  • Tendering
  • Commercial and contract negotiations
  • Supplier relationship management

To be considered for this role you must have proven experience within IT Procurement and be CIPS qualified or qualified by experience in procurement and strategic sourcing roles.

Category Manager employer: Huntress

Join a forward-thinking company in Aylesbury that values innovation and collaboration, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. As an IT Category Manager, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and strategic partnerships. With a competitive salary and a focus on best-in-class procurement practices, this role provides a meaningful chance to make a significant impact within the organisation.
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Contact Detail:

Huntress Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT procurement space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Category Manager role!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its procurement strategies. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around supplier relationships and risk management. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to talk!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you’ve led successful projects or improved processes. Numbers speak volumes, so if you can quantify your impact, do it!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that Category Manager position!

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager

Procurement Strategy Development
Tendering
Commercial Negotiations
Contract Negotiations
Supplier Relationship Management
Project Delivery Management
Stakeholder Guidance
CIPS Qualification
Strategic Sourcing
Risk Mitigation
Collaboration Skills
Value Maximisation
Continuous Improvement
Innovation Fostering

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement strategy, supplier relationship management, and any relevant qualifications like CIPS. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

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. Share specific examples of your past successes in managing third-party spend and driving innovation. Let us know what makes you tick!

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Quantify your successes where possible, like savings achieved or projects delivered on time. We love numbers that tell a story!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of 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 Huntress

✨Know Your Numbers

As an IT Category Manager, you'll be dealing with significant budgets. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've managed similar spend portfolios in the past. Be specific about the figures and outcomes you've achieved.

✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills

Prepare to talk about your experience in developing procurement strategies. Think of examples where you aligned your strategy with company goals and how that led to successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and deliver results.

✨Supplier Relationships Matter

Be ready to discuss how you've built and nurtured relationships with suppliers. Share specific examples of how these partnerships have led to innovation or improvements in processes. This shows your capability in supplier relationship management, which is crucial for the role.

✨Project Management Prowess

Since overseeing project delivery is key, prepare to highlight your project management skills. Discuss how you've ensured projects were completed on time and within budget, and how you collaborated with internal teams to achieve this. Real-life examples will make your case stronger.

Category Manager
Huntress
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  • Category Manager

    Aylesbury
    Full-Time
    36000 - 84000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-09-26

  • H

    Huntress

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