At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and implement category strategies to drive value and manage risks.
- Company: Join a dynamic, forward-thinking procurement team during an exciting investment phase.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, performance pay, and a robust pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working in Reading with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping category strategies and driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex supply chains and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Category Manager role involves developing and implementing category strategies over short, medium and long-term horizons to deliver measurable value while managing commercial risks. This position requires providing market insights, leading sourcing activities, and being the commercial expert who can adapt to market dynamics to achieve optimal outcomes. Additionally, the role oversees supplier performance and relationships, promoting continuous improvement and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
Your Responsibilities as a Category Manager:
- Proactively engage with internal stakeholders to shape category strategies, addressing business needs, spend, and supplier engagement.
- Act as the procurement and commercial expert for the category, leveraging market insights and a deep understanding of supply dynamics, regulatory frameworks, suppliers, and technical innovations.
- Identify and prioritise a sourcing pipeline as part of category planning.
- Lead category projects and sourcing events, adhering to established frameworks and approaches.
- Negotiate with suppliers on commercial and contractual matters, determining acceptable levels of contractual risk and supply resilience.
- Review supplier opportunities to foster innovation and continuous improvement.
- Maintain accurate and secure records in line with required information system standards.
- Provide timely and accurate reporting on sourcing projects through available reporting tools.
What We’re Looking for in a Category Manager:
- Essential Criteria:
- Knowledge and experience in managing complex supply chain environments.
- Ability to challenge industry norms and identify opportunities for sustained performance improvements.
- Proven track record in driving continuous improvement and achieving ambitious targets.
- Strong understanding of pre- and post-deal processes and how process improvements can drive organisational value.
- Hands-on experience managing key supplier relationships.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data effectively.
- Expertise in risk management on a holistic level.
- Capability in handling categories valued up to £100m.
What’s in It for You?
- Competitive salary.
- Annual Leave: 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 days with length of service, plus bank holidays.
- Performance-related pay plan linked to company performance metrics.
- Generous Pension Scheme.
- Access to a variety of benefits to support your health, wellbeing, and financial stability. This includes annual health checks, physiotherapy access, counselling services, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping discounts, and life assurance.
- Salary: £45,000 - £65,000.
- Location - Reading (hybrid).
Category Manager in Slough employer: Investigo
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking procurement team in Reading as a Category Manager, where you will have the opportunity to shape category strategies and drive continuous improvement. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health and wellbeing, this role offers not just a job, but a pathway for professional growth and development in a collaborative work culture. Embrace the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Slough
✨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 a Category Manager role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss market insights and your experience with supplier relationships. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate that you're the commercial expert they need.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s procurement strategies and recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their goals. We want to see you as the perfect fit for their dynamic team!
✨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 joining our forward-thinking procurement team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing complex supply chains and driving continuous improvement. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Category Manager!
Showcase Your Market Insights:In your application, don’t forget to mention any market insights or trends you've identified in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to adapt to market dynamics and act as a commercial expert, which is key for us.
Highlight Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiating with suppliers is a big part of the job, share specific examples of successful negotiations you've led. We love seeing how you’ve managed contractual risks and achieved optimal outcomes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our dynamic procurement team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Investigo
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into market insights relevant to the category you're applying for. Understand the current trends, key players, and potential challenges. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your proactive approach to staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Success
Prepare specific examples of successful sourcing projects you've led in the past. Highlight how you identified opportunities, negotiated with suppliers, and achieved measurable outcomes. This will illustrate your hands-on experience and ability to drive results.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've engaged with internal stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you shaped category strategies based on their needs and how you fostered collaboration. This shows your ability to work cross-functionally and align with organisational objectives.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making. Bring examples of how you've interpreted data to identify risks or opportunities within the supply chain, showcasing your capability in risk management.
