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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage a £25m IT & Telecoms portfolio.
- Company: Join a dynamic, fast-growing business focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact while driving cost savings and building supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in procurement with expertise in IT & Telecoms; MCIPS preferred.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced IT & Telecoms Category Manager with a passion for procurement and strategic sourcing? Do you have a proven track record of managing high-value categories, driving cost savings, and building strong supplier relationships? If so, we want you to join our growing team!
As an IT & Telecoms Category Manager, you will take ownership of a £25m portfolio, develop and implement category strategies, and lead key procurement activities across the business. You'll have the opportunity to deliver impactful results through supplier management, contract negotiations, and tender programs, while engaging with key internal and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.
What You'll Do:
- Category Strategy & Leadership: Develop and execute category strategies that maximise value, minimise risk, and ensure policy compliance.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Own and nurture supplier relationships to ensure ongoing engagement and performance improvements.
- Negotiation & Contract Management: Lead commercial negotiations, draft and deliver robust supplier contracts that meet business needs.
- Cost Control & Savings: Be accountable for driving budgeted cost savings within your categories and identifying opportunities for cost reduction.
- Performance Tracking: Regularly assess and track supplier performance to drive continuous improvement and ensure alignment with business goals.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with Directors, Heads of Divisions, Group Finance, and Procurement teams to ensure alignment and seamless operations.
What We're Looking For:
- Procurement Expertise: A seasoned procurement professional with in-depth experience in IT & Telecoms, including category management and supplier negotiations.
- Strategic & Commercial Acumen: A strong ability to create and implement end-to-end category plans that align with business objectives.
- Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage complex projects and thrive under pressure.
- Proactive & Dynamic: A self-starter with a high-energy approach to problem-solving, willing to drive change and continuously improve processes.
- Data-Driven: Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex data into clear insights and recommendations.
Key Skills & Qualifications:
Essential:
- MCIPS (or equivalent)
- At least 10 years of experience in procurement, with a focus on IT & Telecoms categories
- Expertise in managing contracts, negotiating deals, and driving cost savings
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Strong numerical and analytical skills
Desirable:
- Experience in procuring technology for call centres or manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics D365 is a plus)
Why Join Us?
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic and fast-growing business. You will be at the heart of strategic procurement activities, working with cutting-edge technologies and helping shape the future of our business.
We value innovation, collaboration, and excellence, and we are looking for someone who is excited about bringing fresh ideas to the table and leading change. If you're passionate about procurement, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and have a track record of delivering results, we'd love to hear from you!
Apply Now!
If you are ready to take on an exciting new challenge and play a key role in our procurement function, apply today and join a team that values your skills and expertise.
Marston Holdings is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Category Manager employer: Marston Holdings
Contact Detail:
Marston Holdings Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT and Telecoms procurement. Understanding current market dynamics will help you speak confidently about category strategies during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in IT & Telecoms. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven cost savings in previous roles. Being able to share concrete results will demonstrate your expertise and impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and recent projects. Tailoring your conversation to align with our mission and showcasing how you can contribute will make a strong impression during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in IT & Telecoms procurement. Focus on specific achievements, such as cost savings and successful supplier negotiations, to demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for procurement and strategic sourcing. Mention how your skills align with the job requirements, particularly in category management and stakeholder collaboration.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise key skills such as negotiation, data analysis, and project management. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully applied these skills.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include quantifiable results in your application, such as percentage savings achieved or successful projects led. This will help you stand out and show the impact you've made in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marston Holdings
✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in procurement, particularly within IT and Telecoms. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully managed high-value categories and driven cost savings.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Illustrate your ability to develop and implement category strategies that align with business objectives. Use real-life scenarios to show how your strategic acumen has led to successful outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to talk about your negotiation experiences, especially in leading commercial negotiations and drafting supplier contracts. Share examples where your negotiation skills resulted in significant benefits for your previous employers.
✨Emphasise Stakeholder Management
Discuss your approach to building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Provide examples of how effective communication and collaboration have helped you achieve procurement goals.
