At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate contracts and collaborate with teams to drive digital and tech strategies.
- Company: Join M&S, a fast-moving and inclusive company with a strong sense of purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to supporting each other and making a difference.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of technology.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and ability to influence across various business functions.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
- Core Responsibilities
- Review, interpret and negotiate contractual terms and conditions within defined commercial and legal guardrails, ensuring alignment with the M&S Legal Playbook.
- Build effective working relationships with D&T, Finance and Procurement colleagues to support collaborative decision making.
- Bring external insights to shape forward‑looking Category Plans aligned with the Digital & Technology strategy.
- Work with Finance to align and embed commercial benefits within the Budget.
- Manage end‑to‑end Source to Contract activity including strategy creation, market testing, evaluation, negotiation and contract award.
- Oversee the business contracts approvals process ensuring all governance documentation and approvals are completed to a high standard.
Qualifications and Skills
- Strong commercial and negotiation capability across D&T categories.
- Ability to influence and partner confidently with business partners.
- Adaptable communication style suited to a range of audiences.
- Analytical and forward‑looking approach with the ability to contribute to category strategy.
- Skilled in supplier performance improvement and the delivery of innovation.
- Ability to work collaboratively across commercial, finance, procurement and technology functions.
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger – helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day.
We're inclusive, fast‑moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.
Benefits
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and a household member, available after probation.
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours.
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through the M&S Choices portal.
- Market‑leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.
Everyone's welcome.
Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers.
We support each other and work together to win together.
We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best.
If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know when completing your application.
We will try to put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
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Category Manager - Digital & Technology employer: Marks and Spencer plc (UK)
Marks and Spencer plc is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on teamwork and collaboration. Located in Kingston upon Thames, employees benefit from a dynamic retail environment where they can grow their skills in fashion and customer service while enjoying opportunities for personal development and career advancement. With a commitment to providing a remarkable shopping experience, Marks and Spencer fosters a supportive atmosphere that values passion and adaptability.
Contact Details:
Marks and Spencer plc (UK) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Digital & Technology
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Marks and Spencer plc (UK).
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Digital & Technology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Marks and Spencer plc (UK):Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Marks and Spencer plc (UK). Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Marks and Spencer plc (UK).
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer plc (UK)
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Marks and Spencer plc (UK)!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Marks and Spencer plc (UK). Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Marks and Spencer plc (UK)'s culture.
