At a Glance
- Tasks: Own a spend category, develop strategies, and negotiate contracts with suppliers.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest specialist retail groups with a dynamic procurement team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and health perks.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in strategic procurement and drive continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in procurement or category management, strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
NextStep connects top consulting talent with high-potential opportunities through smart, AI-powered matching. We partner with ambitious companies across sectors to place experienced professionals in roles where they can have a real impact.
Our client is one of the UK's largest specialist retail groups, with 500+ stores and £1.2bn in annual revenue. The Procurement function manages over £300m of third-party spend across marketing, logistics, technology, and facilities. The CPO is transforming the function from transactional buying into a strategic procurement operation.
As Category Manager, you will take end-to-end ownership of a defined spend category, developing the strategy, running sourcing processes, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships. You will work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure procurement activity delivers measurable value.
What You'll Do
- Develop and own the category strategy, including market analysis, supplier landscape mapping, and a multi-year savings roadmap.
- Lead competitive sourcing processes including RFIs, RFPs, and contract negotiations.
- Manage key supplier relationships, conducting performance reviews and driving continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and build buy-in for procurement decisions.
- Track and report on savings delivery, contract compliance, and supplier KPIs.
What We're Looking For
- 3–5 years of experience in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing.
- Experience running end-to-end sourcing processes and commercial negotiations.
- Strong stakeholder management, comfortable engaging with senior internal clients and supplier leadership.
- Analytical, with the ability to build cost models and conduct spend analysis.
- CIPS qualified or working towards is desirable.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary of £50,000 – £65,000, depending on experience.
- Annual performance bonus.
- 25 days holiday and hybrid working from London.
- Pension, private health, and staff discount.
How to Apply
To be considered for this role, please create your profile at getnextstep.com. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the role criteria and match you with the company if it's a strong fit. No cover letter required. This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.
Category Manager employer: NextStep
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within one of the UK's largest specialist retail groups. With a strong focus on employee growth, they provide opportunities for professional development and strategic involvement in procurement processes, all while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous salary, annual performance bonuses, and hybrid working arrangements from London. Join a team where your contributions will directly impact the company's success and where you can thrive in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research the company, understand their procurement strategies, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific examples of how you’ve driven savings or improved supplier relationships. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing your successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Creating your profile at getnextstep.com not only streamlines your application but also helps us match you with the right opportunities. It’s quick, easy, and gets you one step closer to landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Profile Wisely:When creating your profile on our website, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in procurement and category management. Use keywords from the job description to ensure we can easily match you with the right opportunities.
Show Off Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Include specific examples of how you've developed strategies or managed supplier relationships that led to measurable value. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Category Manager role. Remember, less is often more!
Stay Engaged:After submitting your application, keep an eye on your email for updates. If we need more information or want to chat, we’ll reach out. Staying engaged shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps us keep you in mind!
How to prepare for a job interview at NextStep
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific category you'll be managing. Understand market trends, key suppliers, and potential challenges. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to take ownership.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach, the strategies you used, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability in running sourcing processes and managing supplier relationships effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in stakeholder management during the interview. Share specific instances where you collaborated with internal teams to align procurement strategies with business goals. This will illustrate your ability to build buy-in and drive value across the organisation.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves tracking savings and supplier KPIs, come prepared with examples of how you've used data analysis in your previous roles. Discuss any cost models or spend analyses you've conducted, as this will showcase your analytical skills and strategic mindset.
