At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and develop category strategy, manage sourcing processes, and build supplier relationships.
- 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 benefits.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a transformative procurement 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 analytical and stakeholder management 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. 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 in London 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 be part of a transformative journey in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨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. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific results you've delivered, like savings achieved or successful supplier negotiations. Numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Completing your profile helps us match you with the right opportunities, making it easier for you to land that dream job as a Category Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When filling out your application, make sure to highlight your 3-5 years of experience in procurement or category management. We want to see how you've successfully run sourcing processes and negotiated contracts in the past!
Be Specific About Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; give us examples! If you’ve done market analysis or built cost models, tell us about it. This helps us understand how you can bring value to the role.
Engage with Stakeholders:Since stakeholder management is key for this role, mention any experiences where you’ve collaborated with internal clients or suppliers. We love to see how you build relationships and drive buy-in for decisions!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! Once your profile is complete, our smart matching system will do the rest. No cover letter needed, so keep it simple and straightforward!
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 to handle competitive sourcing processes effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve collaborated with internal stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific instances where you built buy-in for procurement decisions. This will highlight your strong stakeholder management skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Quantify Your Achievements
When discussing your experience, focus on quantifiable results. Talk about savings delivered, contract compliance rates, or improvements in supplier performance. Numbers speak volumes and will help you stand out as a results-driven candidate.
