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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic plans for your category and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a leading firm known for innovation and excellence in commercial operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of driving change and making a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: This role is based in Berkshire with a salary range of £45,000 - £58,000.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a Category Manager, you’ll act as the commercial expert for your assigned category, using deep market knowledge to shape and execute strategic plans. Your expertise will help drive innovation, maximise value, and ensure the client remains a leader in its commercial operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement comprehensive, end-to-end category strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Deliver detailed market insight and category expertise, including the identification and management of risks at the category level.
- Manage a portfolio of suppliers, ensuring performance expectations are not only met but exceeded throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Lead the end-to-end tender process, including the evaluation of competitive proposals for goods and services.
- Support suppliers in delivering innovation and added value.
- Provide accurate and timely updates on projects using appropriate reporting tools and systems.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience in strategic category management from strategy development through to execution.
- Strong influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to drive change both internally and externally.
- A proactive mindset with the confidence to challenge the status quo and identify opportunities for long-term improvement.
- Demonstrated success in managing complex supplier negotiations, with deal values up to £100 million.
- A good understanding of complex supply chain environments.
- Excellent prioritisation skills and the ability to manage complexity and risk effectively.
Location: Berkshire
Salary: £45,000 - £58,000
Category Manager - Indirect employer: Investigo
Contact Detail:
Investigo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Indirect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in category management and supply chain dynamics. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in strategic category management. Engaging in conversations can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier negotiations or implemented category strategies in the past. Real-life scenarios will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and recent projects related to category management. Tailoring your conversation to align with our mission will show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Indirect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in strategic category management. Focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to develop and implement category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive innovation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your strong influencing skills and provide examples of how you've successfully engaged stakeholders. Mention your proactive mindset and any instances where you've challenged the status quo to achieve long-term improvements.
Showcase Market Knowledge: Demonstrate your deep market knowledge in both your CV and cover letter. Discuss trends in the industry and how they relate to the category you would be managing. This will show your potential employer that you are well-informed and ready to contribute.
Highlight Negotiation Success: Include specific examples of complex supplier negotiations you've managed, especially those with significant deal values. This will illustrate your capability in handling high-stakes situations and achieving favourable outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Investigo
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement comprehensive category strategies. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully shaped strategic plans and how they aligned with business objectives.
✨Highlight Your Market Knowledge
Deep market knowledge is crucial for this role. Be ready to discuss current trends in the industry, potential risks, and how you would leverage insights to drive innovation and maximise value for the company.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Strong influencing skills are essential. Think of instances where you've effectively engaged stakeholders or driven change. Be prepared to explain your approach and the outcomes of those interactions.
✨Prepare for Supplier Negotiation Scenarios
Given the importance of managing complex supplier negotiations, consider preparing for role-play scenarios. Discuss your negotiation strategies and any significant deals you've managed, especially those with high values.
