At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing projects and negotiate with suppliers to drive value.
- Company: Dynamic client focused on strategic procurement and partnerships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and 33 days’ holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while working on international projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or finance and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our client is looking for a Strategic Category Manager to lead indirect spend categories like Marketing, HR, IT, and services. This role goes beyond sourcing; it's about forging partnerships, influencing key decisions, and driving value creation.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead sourcing projects and supplier negotiations
- Partner with stakeholders to deliver smart, value-driven solutions
- Drive cost optimisation, supplier innovation, and process improvement
- Build strong supplier relationships and promote high performance
- Use data insights to influence decisions and improve spend visibility
What You’ll Bring:
- Experience in procurement, finance, consulting, or similar roles
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Curiosity, agility, and a collaborative mindset
- Confidence working with data and digital tools (e.g., Excel, SAP, ARIBA)
What’s in It for You:
- Career development to become a future leader
- High visibility with senior stakeholders and international projects
- A collaborative culture with strong growth opportunities
- Comprehensive benefits, including pension, private healthcare, and 33 days’ holiday (inc. Bank Holidays), plus the ability to purchase five additional days annually
- Perks like charitable leave, lifestyle discounts, and reward programmes
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000
Location: Manchester - Hybrid
Category Manager - Indirects employer: Investigo
Contact Detail:
Investigo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Indirects
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in procurement or category management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its indirect spend categories. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their needs and can drive value creation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your influencing skills! Think of examples where you've successfully partnered with stakeholders or driven cost optimisation. These stories will make you stand out during interviews.
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Indirects
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager - Indirects. Highlight your experience in procurement and stakeholder management, and don’t forget to showcase any data-driven decision-making skills you have!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your previous experiences align with our needs. Be sure to mention your collaborative mindset and any relevant projects you've led.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive cost optimisation and supplier innovation. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to back up your claims!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Investigo
✨Know Your Categories
Make sure you understand the indirect spend categories like Marketing, HR, and IT. Research current trends and challenges in these areas so you can discuss how your experience aligns with the company's needs.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholders in the past. Think about specific situations where you influenced decisions or built strong partnerships, as this will be key for the role.
✨Data is Your Friend
Brush up on your data analysis skills, especially with tools like Excel and SAP. Be ready to discuss how you've used data insights to drive cost optimisation or improve visibility in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires a collaborative mindset, so come prepared with stories that highlight your ability to work well in teams. Discuss how you've driven innovation through collaboration and what results came from those efforts.