Junior Category Manager

Junior Category Manager

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Motorsport Network

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage procurement for Property & Estates and Health & Safety categories in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join the iconic Formula 1 team, known for innovation and excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, free snacks, generous leave, and exclusive Grand Prix passes.
  • Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and professional development in a collaborative culture.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that shapes the future of sports and entertainment.
  • Qualifications: CIPS Level 4 qualified with experience in procurement and contract management.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Are you ready to make your mark in the world of Formula 1? At Formula 1, we are passionate about delivering the world’s greatest sports and entertainment spectacle leaving a positive legacy wherever we race. Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do ever since our first Grand Prix in 1950. Now, more than 75 years on, the sport remains a pioneer, developing technologies that have made a significant impact on society beyond the track.

Role Overview

We are seeking a commercially driven and motivated FTC Junior Category Manager until the end of December 2026 to own and manage the Property & Estates and Health & Safety Categories by leading on sourcing and contract initiatives. Working closely within internal stakeholders to deliver cost‑effective, sustainable, and resilient supply solutions. The successful candidate will bring procurement expertise, stakeholder engagement skills, and a passion for driving operational excellence in a fast‑paced, high‑profile environment.

Main Responsibilities and Duties

  • Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management: Engage with new and existing suppliers to ensure robust commercial and contractual agreements. Identify and deliver sourcing opportunities through spend analysis and market research. Negotiate appropriate contract terms to address risk and support commercial and business priorities. Manage key suppliers in life‑to‑ensure that contractual commitments are met.
  • Category Planning & Execution: Collaborate within internal stakeholders to align procurement plans with the stakeholders’ goals. Create category plans using spend data and analysis and socialise and update on a regular basis.
  • Goods and Services Supply: Manage procurement activities related to the supply of goods and services across various categories. Apply generalist procurement knowledge and market insights and data to support sourcing decisions.
  • Contract & Risk Management: Draft and manage contracts including Framework Agreements and Statements of Work. Ensure contracts include KPIs, SLAs, and performance tracking requirements.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Develop effective relationships with internal stakeholders including Property & Estates, Health & Safety, Security, Finance, Legal, Strategy, and Compliance.
  • Process Improvement & Compliance: Suggest procurement process improvements (where appropriate) to enhance efficiency and best practices. Support supplier due diligence and ensure adherence to SOX and financial obligations.

What Are We Looking For

  • Knowledge & Skills: Good understanding in drafting and negotiating robust and detailed contracts to meet business objectives including Framework Agreements, Statements of Work, and associated KPIs/SLAs, along with any additional relevant performance tracking requirements. Understanding of Category Management and its role within Procurement and the wider business. Good knowledge and experience of the sourcing of goods and services, including RFPs, RFQs, etc. Experience of generating fact‑based insights through analysis using tools and techniques to provide strategic direction, including competency using Excel and pivot tables. Ability to pivot where directed or necessary between business priorities in a fast‑moving environment. Working knowledge of P2P and Procurement systems, preferably Microsoft D365 and Medius.
  • Personal Qualities: Excellent communication, with strong written and presentation skills, and an engaging style. Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills and ability to challenge difficult stakeholders when appropriate. Self‑motivated, work under own initiative and as part of a team. Ability to work confidently when processes are not fully defined, or in an environment where there are ambiguities.
  • Experience: Experience working within a Procurement team within a demanding environment. Experience of implementing Framework Agreements, Statements of Work and SLAs/KPIs. Desirable to have experience of facilities management procurement.
  • Qualifications: CIPS Level 4 qualified. Intermediate or advanced Excel skills to create pivot tables and other data‑analysis insights. Working knowledge of P2P systems (Microsoft D365 preferred).

Why join the force behind the sport

Joining F1 means becoming part of a team that values innovation, collaboration and personal growth. We offer a dynamic work environment where ideas are heard, and employee contributions truly make an impact. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people to play their role in accelerating the future of the sport. As a member of the F1 team, you will be able to access our amazing benefits:

  • Private Healthcare scheme
  • Dental Care
  • 4 x Grand Prix Paddock passes per season
  • Enhanced maternity/paternity leave and other family planning policies
  • A free staff shuttle service running to and from surrounding train stations near Biggin Hill
  • Free healthy snacks in our offices
  • Subsidised canteen in Biggin Hill, serving breakfast and lunch
  • 25 days annual leave and 8 Bank Holiday days, plus a Christmas period closure
  • Opportunities to develop and request training for your role via our in‑house Learning and Development team
  • Discount on F1 merchandise
  • Discount at F1’s experiences including F1 Arcade and F1 Drive
  • Perkbox benefit portal and more

Junior Category Manager employer: Motorsport Network

At Formula 1, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration in a fast-paced environment. Our dynamic work culture fosters personal growth and encourages employee contributions, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact. With fantastic benefits such as private healthcare, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional development, working at our Biggin Hill location offers a unique chance to be part of the thrilling world of motorsport while enjoying a supportive and engaging workplace.

Motorsport Network

Contact Details:

Motorsport Network Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Category Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Formula 1. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, 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 interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. Practice common interview questions and think of examples from your experience that showcase your skills in procurement and stakeholder engagement.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for the sport! Whether it’s through your CV or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for Formula 1 shine through. Talk about how you can contribute to their mission of innovation and excellence 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, keep an eye on our careers page for any new opportunities that pop up – you don’t want to miss out!

We think you need these skills to ace Junior Category Manager

Procurement Expertise
Stakeholder Engagement
Contract Drafting and Negotiation
Category Management
Sourcing of Goods and Services
RFPs and RFQs
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Junior Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement expertise and any relevant experience in drafting contracts or managing suppliers. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for Formula 1 and how you can contribute to our mission. Be sure to mention specific examples of your stakeholder engagement skills and any innovative ideas you have.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to highlight your experience with tools like Excel. Share examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in previous roles. We love a candidate who can back up their claims with facts!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the F1 team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Motorsport Network

Know Your Categories

Before the interview, dive deep into the Property & Estates and Health & Safety categories. Understand the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in these areas. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you engage in meaningful discussions with the interviewers.

Showcase Your Procurement Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience with drafting and negotiating contracts. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or improved procurement processes in the past. Highlight your knowledge of KPIs and SLAs, as these are crucial for the role.

Engage with Stakeholders

Demonstrate your interpersonal skills by discussing how you've effectively collaborated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Share specific instances where you navigated challenging conversations or aligned procurement plans with business goals to showcase your stakeholder engagement abilities.

Excel at Excel

Since the role requires strong analytical skills, brush up on your Excel capabilities, especially pivot tables. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data analysis to drive strategic decisions in procurement. If possible, bring a sample of your work to illustrate your proficiency.