At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and purchasing programmes for safer buildings.
- Company: Join a leading housing association committed to community improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on organisational excellence and compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while supporting vulnerable communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing, supply chain, and strategic sourcing methodologies required.
Category Manager for Development and Safer Buildings
Full-time, Permanent position (37.5 hours)
Hybrid Beeston, Nottingham: £59,071 - £62,179
Farringdon, London: £65,633 - £69,087
About this role: As Category Manager for Development and Safer Buildings, you will develop & lead strategic sourcing & purchasing programmes taking the commercial lead to contribute significantly to the delivery of allocated procurement projects. Reporting to the Head of Commercial Procurement, you will be responsible for identifying and working to exceed internal & external customer expectations by delivering demonstrable value for money from your category, creating innovative and robust approaches to getting the best from our suppliers and upholding compliance to all relevant regulation and legislation, including our own internal financial procedures.
To succeed as the Category Manager you'll have:
- Relevant & specialist commercial / industry experience in purchasing & supply in a senior management role and ideally have experience in the Housing Sector.
- Experience understanding and applying Strategic sourcing methodologies.
- Robust procurement knowledge comprising: advanced negotiation skills, knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies, knowledge of supply chain theory, persuading and influencing and interpersonal skills, contract law and dispute resolution, statistical and data analysis skills.
- Knowledge of market areas related to specific work categories, finance and leasing knowledge, business development and marketing plans, business accounting.
At MTVH, you will support the Head of Commercial Procurement to create organisational excellence in procurement and purchasing and you will develop and lead a specific strategic sourcing programme for your defined categories, taking the lead on specific/allocated portfolio of sourcing categories, and contributing significantly to the delivery of allocated procurement projects. You will keep abreast of and ensure overall compliance to the latest internal financial procedures, relevant legislation & regulatory procurement compliance and work with your stakeholders to support a compliant balance of a flexible and commercial approach to project management.
You will strive to exceed customer requirements by demonstrating best value for money and excellent customer service, through compliance with category priorities and contracts, and by actively managing the market place through development of key strategies for supplier and contract management. Additionally, you will support the successful development of supplier & contract management capabilities at MTVH to ensure your stakeholders are aware of their obligations and have access to the most appropriate resources.
You will also adopt a Category Management approach, to ensure you are continually up to date and monitoring & reporting the detailed expenditure within your defined category, the suppliers & operating markets within, the products & services they provide, current performance & service levels, value for money & opportunities for efficiency, and you will work to understand existing supplier performance and contract compliance in liaison with stakeholders.
You will be a Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or appropriate professional institute or relevant experience and you will have a degree level qualification (or equivalent) plus specialist procurement knowledge and experience.
Key dates: First-round MS Teams interviews will be conducted Friday 26 June. Second-round in-person interviews will be scheduled Tuesday 30 June and Wednesday 01 July.
Metropolitan Thames Valley provides affordable housing for people living in London, the South East, East Midlands and East of England. We also offer a range of care and support services. Our specialist areas include older people, mental health and transitional services which provide intensive support to marginalised or vulnerable people. We deliver training programmes, events and activities for our residents, designed to boost employment opportunities and foster stronger communities.
A member of the National Housing Federation the G15, which represents London’s largest housing associations, we influence policy for the benefits of our residents and the wider sector. In October 2018 like-minded housing associations Metropolitan and Thames Valley Housing formally completed a partnership to form Metropolitan Thames Valley. We came together because we want to improve the services we provide and do more in our communities. We’ll do this by listening to our customers and working alongside them.
Category Manager - Development and Safer Buildings employer: Metropolitan Thames Valley
At Metropolitan Thames Valley, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration in the housing sector. Our hybrid work model in Beeston, Nottingham, fosters a supportive and inclusive culture, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth and advancement. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the community, all while enjoying competitive salaries and a strong focus on work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Metropolitan Thames Valley Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Development and Safer Buildings
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector and procurement world. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially around safer buildings and procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your past successes in strategic sourcing and supplier management to the table. Use data and results to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes in procurement!
✨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 at MTVH!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Development and Safer Buildings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in purchasing and supply, especially in the housing sector, to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Skills:We want to see your advanced negotiation skills and knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully applied these skills.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Metropolitan Thames Valley
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around strategic sourcing methodologies and contract law. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the housing sector, as this will show your potential employer that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or led procurement projects in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company's procurement strategies, challenges they face in the housing sector, or how they measure success in supplier management. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if you'll fit into their team culture. Be genuine, and don’t hesitate to share your passion for procurement and how you can contribute to their mission.
