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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic plans and manage supplier relationships to drive innovation and value.
- Company: Join a leading client in commercial operations, known for its market expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of category management, influencing change and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic category management and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive individuals ready to challenge the status quo.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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.
Category Manager - Indirect employer: JR United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
JR United Kingdom 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 and innovations in category management. This 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 potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier negotiations or developed category strategies in the past. Real-life scenarios can showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's current projects and initiatives related to category management. Being knowledgeable about our work can help you tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in joining our team.
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 by including insights or trends relevant to the category you will be managing. This shows that you understand the industry and can contribute valuable perspectives to the role.
Highlight Negotiation Successes: Detail your experience with complex supplier negotiations, especially those involving significant deal values. Use quantifiable results to illustrate your success in exceeding performance expectations and managing risks effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at JR United Kingdom
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement comprehensive strategies. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully shaped category strategies that 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've used market insights to drive innovation and value in previous positions.
✨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.
