At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and implement sourcing strategies while managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a dynamic procurement team in a fast-paced environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work setup, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with potential for career advancement in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supply chain performance and cost efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 € per year.
We are looking for a motivated Category Manager to join my clients Procurement team. This role is responsible for developing and delivering sourcing strategies across multiple categories in a fast-paced environment. You will play a key role in strengthening supply chain performance by reducing risk, improving supplier relationships, and driving cost efficiency.
Location: Oxford, Hybrid Set up
Salary: £60,000 - £65,000
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement category sourcing strategies
- Manage procurement activity including RFQs, RFIs, supplier negotiations, and contracts
- Monitor market trends, pricing, and supply conditions
- Build and manage supplier relationships, ensuring performance across cost, quality, delivery, and risk
- Identify and evaluate new suppliers and opportunities
- Assess total cost of ownership and support cost reduction initiatives
- Lead supplier performance reviews and improvement plans
- Ensure supplier compliance with relevant policies and requirements
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to support business needs
About You:
- Experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Commercially aware with good negotiation and analytical abilities
- Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities
- Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail
- Experience in manufacturing or technical supply chains is beneficial but not essential
Category Manager - Morgan McKinley in Oxford employer: Morgan McKinley
Join a dynamic team in Oxford as a Category Manager, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth. With competitive salary packages and a hybrid working model, we prioritise employee well-being and development, offering ample opportunities for career advancement while making a meaningful impact on our supply chain performance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Morgan McKinley in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its supply chain strategies. We recommend practising common interview questions related to procurement and supplier management so you can showcase your skills confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. We believe it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which are key traits for a Category Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to employers looking for top talent in procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Morgan McKinley in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in sourcing strategies and supplier management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific examples of how you've improved supplier relationships or driven cost efficiency in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your strong communication and negotiation skills. These are key for a Category Manager, so provide examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholders and navigated complex procurement activities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan McKinley
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing. Understand market trends, key suppliers, and potential risks. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led or been a part of. Highlight your strategies, outcomes, and how you built relationships with suppliers. This will demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to drive cost efficiency.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific procurement challenges. Think about scenarios involving supplier performance issues or cost reduction initiatives. Practising these responses will help you articulate your problem-solving mindset effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key in this role, prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with different teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve supported business needs and built strong relationships, showcasing your communication skills.
