At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial value through supplier relationships and category management.
- Company: A purpose-driven organisation focused on making home ownership accessible.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, annual bonus, matched pension contributions, and 26 days holiday.
- Why this job: Join a team that impacts lives by promoting home ownership for future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience in Category Management and strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
How you'll help us live our purpose: We've been helping our members save for their future and buy their own home since 1875. Join us and you'll play a big role in helping us to put home ownership within reach of more people, generation after generation. It's a purpose that drives everything we do. And you can play your part too join our Cost & Supplier Management team as a Category Manager.
How you'll make a difference: You'll be responsible for assuring end-to-end commercial value from third party supplier relationships across your designated portfolio. This includes sourcing and supplier relationship management, ensuring delivery of optimal benefit from the supply chain. You'll work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders at different levels, from different business areas, establishing agreement on category strategies, leading sourcing exercises and driving the commercial optimisation of supplier relationships and contract agreements to ensure sustainable value for money.
What will you bring to the role?
- Strong experience and knowledge of Category Management in a medium/large organisation.
- Evidence of driving measurable incremental value through understanding and application of Category Management, Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Relationship Management principles and techniques.
- Strength in relationship building with business stakeholders, supplier contacts and colleagues.
- Strong communication skills, including the confidence to challenge and clearly present commercial advice and opinion, establishing trust in personal and team professional credibility.
- Commercial mindset - experience of commercial contracts, negotiation and drafting/execution; ability to take a robust stance with external parties to promote and defend our commercial position; ability to explain complex terms and conditions and other commercial relationship elements in simple terms.
This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. Therefore, we are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the right to work in the UK without employer sponsorship.
And in return, you'll get the best from us:
- Hybrid working 2 days per week in the office
- Annual bonus of up to 12%
- Matched pension contributions up to 10%
- 26 days holiday, plus bank holidays and holiday purchase scheme
- Colleague Mortgage and Saver products
- 2 days' volunteering per year
We'll give you a place to belong with the support to learn, develop and shape a meaningful career.
Why choose us? Our business is centred around our people. Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, as shown by our Inclusive Employers Gold accreditation in 2023 and 2025. We're committed to equal opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. You'll be joining a truly purpose-focused culture which helped us win the Leading with Purpose award at the 2023 Business Culture Awards. This recognises how we've embedded our purpose with our colleagues, and the actions we've taken to put home ownership within reach of more people, generation after generation.
Why wait? Apply now! We'd love to hear from you. But don't wait around - we may close the advert early and we'd hate for you to miss out. We're devoted to creating a culture and workplace that is representative of the communities we serve. If you'd like to work with us but are unsure if you meet the full criteria for a role, please contact the recruiter so we can find out more about your skills and experience. We're committed to supporting you to be at your best - to discuss any reasonable adjustments we could make, please contact us.
Locations
Category Manager in Leeds, Yorkshire employer: Leeds Building Society
Contact Detail:
Leeds Building Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Leeds, Yorkshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to supplier relationships and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of making home ownership accessible.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your relationship-building skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven value in previous roles. This will demonstrate your fit for the Category Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our purpose-driven culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Leeds, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in Category Management and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive value through supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about helping people achieve home ownership and how your skills align with our purpose. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to present complex ideas clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully communicated with stakeholders or negotiated contracts.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds Building Society
✨Know Your Category Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Category Management knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven value in previous roles. Think about the strategies you've implemented and be prepared to explain them clearly.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since relationship building is key, practice how you'll engage with different stakeholders. Prepare some questions that show your interest in their needs and how you can help. This will demonstrate your collaborative approach and ability to establish trust.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Get ready to talk about your negotiation experiences. Have a few success stories at hand where you’ve secured beneficial terms or resolved conflicts. This will showcase your commercial mindset and ability to defend your position effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating complex concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to explain a challenging contract or supplier relationship, so being able to break it down will highlight your communication skills and professional credibility.