At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and drive sourcing excellence in the Mechanical Structures domain.
- Company: Join a top UK defence manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity for national travel and collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualification or equivalent experience in complex procurement discussions.
The predicted salary is between 62 - 62 £ per hour.
Morson is partnering with one of the UK’s leading defence manufacturers to recruit a Category Manager to join their team at the Stevenage site.
- 6-month contract (with potential for extension)
- Hybrid working
- Some national travel required
- BPSS eligible
Role Purpose
To lead and support procurement and sourcing activities within the Mechanical Structures domain, acting as the primary contact for multiple RFx events.
Working closely with the Category Manager, Supply Chain Manager, and key stakeholders, you will drive procurement excellence by onboarding new suppliers to future-proof the supply chain and support current ramp-up efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead sourcing activities aligned with category and domain strategies, ensuring compliance with procurement best practises and organisational policies.
- Support initiatives to expand and strengthen the supply chain network.
- Conduct essential research, including spend analysis, segmentation, forecasting, and market assessment.
- Utilise procurement tools proficiently, such as Kraljic and Porter’s models.
- Present sourcing outcomes to senior stakeholders, justifying decisions and demonstrating effective risk mitigation.
- Co-lead supplier development activities alongside Supply Chain Managers, complementing technical expertise with commercial leadership.
- Contract Development & Negotiations
- Possess a thorough understanding of English contract law.
- Interpret commercial discussions with suppliers to secure the best possible outcomes.
- Draught and implement tailored commercial agreements suitable for each situation.
- Lead the development and execution of negotiation strategies.
- Identify and deliver planned cost-saving initiatives.
- Risk Management
- Identify and assess supplier risks in accordance with company processes and procedures.
- Develop and present risk mitigation plans to gain support from stakeholders across the business.
- Manage supplier onboarding, ensuring a seamless transition from existing to new suppliers in collaboration with the Multi-Functional Team.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within Procurement Transversal.
Required Skills and Experience
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively within teams and lead complex procurement discussions.
- CIPS qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience managing complex RFx processes.
- Strong understanding of product lifecycle phases, including NPI, Low-Rate Initial Production, Full-Rate Ramp-Up, and Legacy/Sustainment stages.
- Competence in analysing open-book cost models, machine/load-centre rates, and buy-to-fly ratios to drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reductions.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit an up-to-date CV.
Category Manager in Stevenage employer: Morson Edge Careers
Morson is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Wolverhampton that fosters professional growth and development. With a focus on the aerospace sector, employees benefit from engaging projects and collaborative teamwork, while enjoying competitive pay and a supportive culture that values innovation and excellence. The company prioritises employee well-being and provides opportunities for skill enhancement, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in legal administration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Stevenage
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Morson Edge Careers that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Morson Edge Careers can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Morson Edge Careers that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Morson Edge Careers know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Edge Careers
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
