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- Tasks: Lead supplier selection and manage relationships for specific systems and equipment.
- Company: Join a blue-chip defense business focused on innovation and transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work, bonuses, private medical insurance, and 27 days holiday.
- Why this job: Great opportunity for career progression in a dynamic and impactful industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, supplier management, and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Security clearance is a must; open to various commutable office locations.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Highly Competitive Salary!
Hybrid working
Bonus Scheme
Private Medical Insurance
Life Assurance
27 days holiday + public holidays
Fantastic progression opportunities!
+ many more
Senior Category Manager Specific Systems & Equipment ( MUST HAVE SECURITY CLEARANCE )
Based Templecombe – Hybrid Working (also open to other commutable office locations)
Are you an experienced procurement professional who is passionate about category management and can deliver the transformation that this blue-chip defence business is implementing?
In this role, you will focus on managing our specific systems and equipment suppliers.
Key responsibilities
On a day-to-day basis, you ll have:
• Accountability for ensuring the most up-to-date knowledge of the supplier market, including new innovations and key emerging technologies relevant to the category.
• Responsibility for leading major / business critical supplier selection exercises to support business needs, as well as the deployment, implementation and monitoring of category strategies.
• End to end performance responsibility for the acquisition process via the management of RFIs and/or RFPs.
• Responsibility for supplier relationship management and continuous improvement of suppliers within the category (with the support of Supplier Performance Management Team if needed) and the management of strategic supplier performance including, but not limited to, quality, cost, delivery, contractual performance and innovation.
• Responsibility for ensuring that the suppliers provide the competitiveness required to support the business and to introduce optimal supply base changes to support business-winning capability.
• Responsibility for mastering economic models for the category so that increased value can be added to the business and the supply base.
About you
Ideally, you ll have:
• Proven experience in direct procurement categories (ideally with experience working with technical/engineering stakeholders).
• Experience in developing, supporting and implementing category strategy initiatives.
• Experience performance managing suppliers to above target performance and have a working knowledge of supplier development techniques.
• Strong contractual knowledge especially of framework agreements and key clauses.
• The ability to lead complex negotiations including import/export considerations.
• A good understanding of the market for the category as well as an understanding of customer drivers, needs and programme issues.
• Experience implementing procurement strategy from an operational perspective.
• Proven ability challenging and developing innovative supply chain/procurement analysis that adds value to the business and end customers.
If this role resonates with you, please send an updated CV to (url removed)
Category Manager employer: Morson Talent
Contact Detail:
Morson Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and innovations in the specific systems and equipment market. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and category management field, especially those with experience in technical or engineering sectors. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with supplier relationship management and performance improvement. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed suppliers and driven value in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the importance of economic models in procurement. Brush up on your knowledge of how these models can add value to both the business and the supply base, as this will be a key aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Category Manager position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills that align with your experience.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect your relevant experience in procurement and category management. Emphasize your achievements in supplier relationship management and strategic sourcing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for category management and your understanding of the specific systems and equipment market. Mention how your background aligns with the company's needs.
Highlight Security Clearance: Since security clearance is a must-have, make sure to mention your current status or experience with security protocols prominently in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Talent
✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in direct procurement categories, especially with technical or engineering stakeholders. Highlight specific examples where you successfully implemented category strategies or managed supplier relationships.
✨Demonstrate Market Knowledge
Research the current trends and innovations in the supplier market relevant to the specific systems and equipment category. Being able to discuss these insights will show your commitment and understanding of the industry.
✨Prepare for Complex Negotiations
Since the role involves leading complex negotiations, think of scenarios where you successfully navigated challenging discussions. Be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes, particularly regarding import/export considerations.
✨Understand Supplier Performance Management
Familiarize yourself with supplier performance management techniques and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive continuous improvement. Provide examples of how you have managed strategic supplier performance in terms of quality, cost, and delivery.
