At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Category Team to drive commercial improvement and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Company: FTSE100 market leader in retail supply, offering a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Excellent salary, hybrid working, car allowance, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Outstanding career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on growth and innovation in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG supply chain, strong leadership, and strategic procurement skills.
Location: Greater Manchester - Hybrid Working
Excellent salary plus market leading benefits.
Due to continued growth, our client, a FTSE100 market leading supplier to the retail industry, now has several excellent opportunities within their Procurement team. They are currently seeking 2 Head of Categories – one with Bespoke and the other within Commodities.
This business offers:
- Hybrid working
- Excellent benefits package including Car and bonus
- Collaborative and supportive culture
- Outstanding career progression opportunities
The Head of Category is a member of the Procurement management team. Reporting into the Procurement and Sustainability Director, they support in strategy formulation and execution to deliver commercial improvement for the benefit of the business, the customers, teams and the wider group.
As a member of the Procurement Team, they role model behaviours, drive a collaborative, supportive working environment and enhance colleague interaction by developing a high performing, collaborative team whilst also driving culture and employee engagement.
The Head of Category: Bespoke is accountable for the development, growth and commercial improvement of bespoke categories, supporting their team to adopt best practice whilst leading on a key category. They are expected to work collaboratively with the Head of Strategic Sourcing to leverage global sourcing opportunities within bespoke categories, developing growth in Exclusive Brands where appropriate.
Working collaboratively with the Commercial Finance Manager to shape and develop the central earnings pipeline, this role will work closely with the Divisional Sustainability Team and Technical Team to ensure that core categories develop in line with ethical sourcing and environmental requirements. Growth and Innovation are key themes within the categories. This role will be expected to develop a strong reputation of market leading expertise across the team.
Key Accountabilities:
- Lead the Category Team within the Procurement Team.
- Lead the strategic delivery of commercial improvement, including product cost reduction and improvements to working capital.
- Delivery against all customer savings targets including reduction in EPR or other associated piece of legislation with commercial consequence.
- Work collaboratively with subject matter experts to support change.
- Implementation of strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Ensure execution of the assigned strategic deliverables.
- Assist in the creation of the departmental functional plan.
- Delivery of all Leadership Management activities.
- Recruit, induct, train, and retain staff of the required number and calibre.
- Ensure all people management activities are appropriately actioned.
- Ensure all Line Managers within your function discharge their responsibilities to lead, motivate, support, train and develop a high functioning team.
- Continuously review team members against the identified and required performance criteria - addressing issues of attendance, performance and conduct concern through HR policies.
- Ensure all training requirements are met and regularly reviewed.
Experience Qualifications required:
- Has managed, developed and coached direct reports.
- Previous experience of working in an FMCG supply chain environment, ideally with retail experience.
- Has developed and executed strategic tactical procurement plans.
- Has demonstrated leadership qualities and collaboration across functions.
- Understands the impact of strong employee engagement and business culture.
- Actively champions and role models the company values and behaviours.
- Is highly organised with effective time management skills and work ethic.
- Capacity to take in information and facts.
- Strong communication skills including equally strong listening skills.
- Is able to conduct difficult conversations with employees when required and remain resilient and calm under pressure.
- Is able to delegate and values the input and opinions of team and colleagues.
- Strong IT/Analytical skills.
- Numerate, bright, enthusiastic, self-sufficient, self-starter, confident, analytical, inquisitive, ability to progress further in future.
Apply online or for further information please contact one of our specialist consultants quoting reference number: NJR16788.
Head of Category employer: NJR Recruitment
Our client, a FTSE100 market leader in the retail supply sector, offers an exceptional working environment in Greater Manchester with hybrid working options. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth, supported by a comprehensive benefits package including a car and bonus. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, this role not only provides outstanding career progression opportunities but also allows you to make a meaningful impact within a high-performing team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like NJR Recruitment.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to NJR Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to NJR Recruitment. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like NJR Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at NJR Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at NJR Recruitment!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at NJR Recruitment. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into NJR Recruitment's culture.
