Senior Category Manager

Senior Category Manager

Temporary 75 - 77.2 £ / hour (est.) Home office (partial)
NonStop Consulting

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and develop category strategies for security procurement.
  • Company: Join a nationally significant organisation in the public sector.
  • Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working model, and strong career development.
  • Other info: Work with a dynamic team and enjoy a flexible work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on security frameworks in a highly regulated environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement/category management within security sectors.

The predicted salary is between 75 - 77.2 £ per hour.

This role is with our client in the public sector and sits at the intersection of perimeter security, CCTV and facilities security procurement, working within a highly regulated and sensitive environment.

Why this could interest you:

  • High-impact remit in a nationally significant organisation
  • Strategic ownership of a complex Security Detection Framework
  • Well-defined outside IR35 engagement with a very strong hourly rate
  • Hybrid working model with only 2 days on-site per week

Top experience they are looking for:

  • Proven procurement/category management experience in perimeter security, CCTV, and facilities security
  • Strong track record in public sector procurement (including regulated environments)
  • Working experience or exposure to the NPSA and associated security standards/guidance

Key elements of the role:

  • Developing and implementing category strategies for security-related spend, aligned with business and stakeholder objectives
  • Leading complex strategic sourcing activities (including RFx, supplier evaluation and selection, and contract negotiation)
  • Owning commercial and contractual management, ensuring robust contract administration and compliance

Senior Category Manager employer: NonStop Consulting

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NonStop Consulting

Contact Details:

NonStop Consulting Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager

Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups

Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!

Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!

Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.

Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles

Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!

Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks

Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager

Procurement Management
Category Management
Security Standards Knowledge
Public Sector Procurement
Strategic Sourcing
Contract Negotiation
Supplier Evaluation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show NonStop Consulting that you can hit the ground running!

Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, NonStop Consulting can quickly grasp your capabilities!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows NonStop Consulting that you're serious about your professional development.

Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let NonStop Consulting know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!

How to prepare for a job interview at NonStop Consulting

Know Your Procurement Basics

Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.

Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability

Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!

Show Off Your Tech Savvy

Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.